ADHD Awareness Week
Adult and Child ADHD Awareness Week
This week has been designated as a week to raise awareness and change perceptions of adult and child Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). And this year there will be a focus on the reasons why early diagnosis is so important.
Because proper diagnosis is so important, I’m starting this post with information about the common symptoms of ADHD, and I’ve ended it with informative links.
There are three types of ADHD and here are some of the common symptoms…
AD/HD – Primarily Inattentive Type:
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention.
• Does not appear to listen.
• Struggles to follow through on instructions.
• Has difficulty with organization.
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.AD/HD – Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:
• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Runs around or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
• Acts as if driven by a motor.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.AD/HD – Combined Type:
• Meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
And this is not just a childhood disorder, adults can have it as well. Do you have Adult ADD or ADHD? You can take this test from Psych Central to find out.
Use this questionnaire to help determine if you need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of ADD or ADHD in an adult. We also have a 6-question, short ADD quiz.
Here is some of what other women are blogging about ADHD and ADHD Awareness Day.
From Angels Mind – Today Is The First Official ADHD Awareness Day…
If you have friends or family dealing with and living with ADHDers, then today may be a good day to let them know you love them, that you know an ADHDer is a special needs child, that even if you don’t know what they’re going through exactly- you do NOT judge them for the way they handle their ADHDer, and that if they need a coupla hours off you’d be prepared to help out somehow… if you could see your way clear to taking care of their ADHDer for a while!
A Mom’s View of ADHD – A dose of determination…
Determination is one of the great gifts of ADHD. Luke is a very determined little boy. He observes what others are doing and is confident he will do the same. He insists that he do the same. He doesn’t yet consciously know of his differences, his limitations. I am glad about that.
Many times that determination backfires on him though (see yesterday’s post). But it also means he never gives up.
Inspired by his determination and his bright smile this Monday morning, I too will never give up. I will fight for him and what he needs to bring sameness into his life. I am a mom on a mission. My mission will be successful. I will not loose sight of that.
From Raise Healthy Eaters – Can Diet Prevent ADHD in Children?
One in ten children lives with ADHD. Children diagnosed with the condition are more likely to experience depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. No one knows exactly what causes this leading disorder but experts believe that it has both genetic and environmental influences.
Two recent research reviews examined whether or not diet can help treat ADHD. While both reviews cite compelling research, each acknowledges that more studies are needed to draw conclusions. As I read both of these papers, one word kept popping up in my mind: prevention.
From Gina Pera – ADHD Roller Coaster…
Here’s a sampling of the breaking headlines, followed by the press release from the researcher.
CHADD – Children and Adults With Attention Deficit Disorder
CHADD is the nation’s leading organization serving children and adults with AD/HD. Under the guidance of the world’s leading AD/HD experts, CHADD is working every day to improve the lives of families like yours through information and support. CHADD is also at the forefront in providing healthcare professionals with the most current and authoritative scientific findings about AD/HD. But first and foremost, CHADD is your connection to people who care and are there to help you.
More women blogging about ADHD…
PT Law Mom – Is ADHD a Gift?
Parent Talk Today – Kids’ Sleep and ADHD? What’s the connection?
Peggy Rowland at Blisstree – ADHD Awareness Week
My ADD/ADHD – Time Management Tools
Tara McGillicuddy – My ADD/ADHD Blog
Informative Links:
- WebMD – ADD and ADHD Center
- CDC – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Mayo Clinic – ADHD
- Kids Awareness Series – How is ADHD Diagnosed?
- Kids Health – What is ADHD?
- From Teens Health – ADHD
- National Resource Center on ADHD
- National Institute of Mental Health – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
*cross-posted at BlogHer Health & Wellness
