ADHD And Odd Case Study

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a complicated and interesting history and because of that it is important to understands this disorders implications and comorbidity to better treat and diagnose it. Research done by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 11% of the US population between the ages of 4-17 are affected with ADHD; that’s 6.4 million children and the prevalence of diagnosis is only increasing (2016). It was generally assumed that ADHD was something children would grow out of but new studies show that approximately 4% of the adult population in the US are still suffering from ADHD or have developed ADHD (Breyer, J. L., Lee, S., Winters, K. C., August, G. J., & Realmuto, G. M. 2014). ADHD is

ADHD is indeed a part of the Western Culture. People are familiar with the term, treatment and some behaviors that ‘shows’ its existence; and since it has become part of the culture itself it is considered as something relatively normal -or at least common. Both sides of the debate agree on the fact that the behaviors called ADHD do exist, but is it a biological disease? A conduct disorder? Or are we as humans trying to narrow our behaviors in the way where anyone who is not as ‘efficient’ as us are considered to be ‘sick’?

ADHD is a very different beast, to be perfectly frank. You may have heard whispers and statements on how it leads to ‘hyperactivity’ and ‘impulsiveness,’ but it goes a little bit beyond an overzealous person. Sometimes, you say words you don’t exactly mean, words that come out of your mouth that you instantly wish to take back and erase. This innate fear is justified, as I have come to fear incarceration for saying the wrong thing. Now you may be well aware of the dos and don’ts of a human’s sentence memory, but for kids with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, the lines can be a bit more blurred. In fact, you could be arrested for “hate speech,” intentional or not; according to Doctor Barbara and Fletcher, it’s a good 22.5% chance that you could be arrested if you have ADHD. That scary… but even then, there’s a chance. There’s a chance that you don’t even have to worry about it, provided you know what to say. There is a chance, and there always will, that you could rise above your disabilities and become something greater; something I strive to do, now that I saw the gravity of my decisions. And before I go onto this long discussion about ADHD, it’s tears, it’s troubles, and it’s triumphs, I’d like to state something. If your name is Mary Scimone, Tony Scimone or Megan Crowley, if you are a

Approximately 5 to 7% of all children meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, implying that on average every classroom will contain a child with ADHD. Most children with this disorder have some of their greatest difficulties in adjusting to the demands of school. Various studies have shown that majority of students with ADHD tend do worse in school than typical children in the same grade. (p.246) When you are at school you are required to sit still, listen quietly, pay attention and so on.This can make it very challenging for a child that has ADHD and can put them at risk of having some academic difficulties, including underachievement,

In providing services to the youth and the school, the issues and concerns are numerous, but, not limited to bullying, racism, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To combat these issues and concerns, I suggest holding an open forum to educate and teach teachers, parents, students and the communities on how to cope and deal with these issues. Furthermore, engaging students with learning disabilities and ADHD in after school learning activities and rallying against the negative impact of bullying and racism can also be

S: parents stated that Oscar was very anxious showing constant fidgeting because of first day of therapy

ADHD is not just an ordinary disorder. It is also hard to diagnose someone because it has the same symptoms like the other disorders. This really affects many domains in the life of a person having this disorder. There’s no difference in adult ADHD and child ADHD. Only the way their symptoms manifest in their lives. It takes a long process so it can be treated. Medications, counselling and other treatments is not enough to treat this disorder. Support of the family and friends may help to treat this condition. Maybe it’s not that grave like the other disorder, but there’s still a need of further study and focus.

Even though Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, has received a lot of attention in recent years, many children and adults are not receiving treatment. A reason could be due to the misconceptions or myths that plague this disorder. Many people have heard some of the following myths: ADHD isn’t a real condition, only boys have ADHD, ADHD is over diagnosed, kids with ADHD will outgrow it, these myths barely skim the surface of all that is existing. ADHD is a medical condition per the “National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Psychiatric Association, both boys and girls can have ADHD however, it is more than twice as likely to be diagnosed in boys” (Morin 1). While many

Stimulant medications can help repress and control impulsive behavior. An example of this would be methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin). This type of medication can reduce hyperactivity, and additionally improve social interactions, assist with concentration, and facilitate better performance in school and work. These medications can also help children with ADHD that comorbid with other disorders. When used under proper medication supervision, these medications are generally safe and usually do not have bad side effects. Haggarty (2015) also states that these medications should be monitored in teenagers or adults because they are addictive and can be misused. These medications are not a cure-all, but can be successful in treating ADHD if used appropriately at the right dosage. It is important that the children taking ADHD medication be regularly re-evaluated by a physician to make sure everything is in order since the risk and benefits of medications can change over time. Haggarty (2015) also states that a combination of medication and other techniques should be used to help improve the symptoms. Psychotherapy can also be used if medication alone is not enough. Psychosocial interventions, such as parent training and behavioral modifications can be used. The goal of these interventions is to make sure parents and educators are prepared with methods to better handle problems when they come up. They will learn to reward the child for positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors. This therapy also tries to teach techniques that would help a child with ADHD to control inattention and impulsive behaviors (Haggerty,

Epidemiological studies in Asia and Latin America showed similar prevalences of ADHD as in Europe and North America making it unlikely that ADHD is the product of Western culture.

The test for ADHD was inconclusive despite extensive questioning of Alex, his parents, and teachers. He was then given Adderall to treat his ADHD symptoms, and as a positive side effect help with weight loss. It would be interesting to see how much the weight loss benefit influenced the choice of medication. There have been improvements in Alex’s behavior, but he does not seem to meet the expectations of his teacher. She says he needs a lot of guidance and monitoring. She could be asked on a scale comparing Alex to most other students where he falls in line. Being that he is still only completing most things on a modified scale, it would be pertinent to ask if Adderall is the best medicine available to treat

My oldest nephew was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of eight and as he was growing up, it was really tough to understand and control him. He would be very impulsive, disobedient and would constantly pace around the house along with periods of hyperactivity. When he would get his report card sent home, some of his teachers would write a note saying that he constantly called out in class without raising his hand, shake his legs uncontrollably, got out of his seat to walk around or disrupt the other kids and have such short attention span. The thing about all of those disturbances, he maintained very good grades and is a very smart kid. As he got older, he began to learn about the triggers and where his ADHD would kick in and he’s doing great now; he’ll still have his moments where the ADHD will kick in, but it is much better present day. And he was never administered medication or therapy; he learned how to push the urges away but allow them to come out when the surroundings were not overwhelming.

The “better safe than sorry” mentality leads to over diagnosis in adolescent ADHD furthermore causing the concern of overprescribing of medication as treatment and “overly managing” the disorder. Approximately 4.6 million children between age 6 and 17 received a diagnosis of ADHD, and over half of them (59%) were given medication (Parens and Johnston, 2009). Some of the usual prescribed medicines to those with ADHD is that of Ritalin and Adderall – drugs that are classified in the same category as cocaine, opium, and amphetamines, all which are a schedule II controlled substance in the Drug Enforcement Agency (Pomeroy, 2013). Proponents of medication of children broadcast the evidence of effectiveness of the medication with reducing the primary symptoms of ADHD. Although these stimulants have the same reinforcing effect as cocaine, many swear by the difference instantly made by medication, hence why doctors administer the drugs after diagnosis. Others also believe that medication distribution is more economically efficient as well as time efficient because of its quick acting effects. Because doctors are faced with severe payer and clinical time constraints, many physicians diagnose ADHD following it by fast-acting medication (Connor, 2011). Therefore, as over diagnosis of ADHD increased, so has the amount of prescription to children. However, “although theories regarding the cause of these increases abound, what has not surfaced is a clear consensus on whether increases in

For Psychology of Exceptional Learners, I was given the opportunity to observe in Bishop Dunn Memorial School. This parochial school conveniently located on MSMC’s campus was a huge learning experience for me. I was able to sit in on a first grade general education class. It was a pleasure to get to watch co-teaching in action! The first day posed to be a little difficult because of not knowing which student had a disability so, I was unsure where to focus my attention. Due to FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the teacher was unable to disclose any information of which student has a disability or what disability that student faces. I was unable to see any work produce by the student, also. I was left to solely depend on my observations.

As in any situation with any student that is special or gifted or that IDEA, IEP, and 504 Plans, have to be the first and foremost concern for all parties involved. “Education For All Handicapped Children Act Passed in 1975 Guaranteed and enforced the right of all children with disabilities to receive free and appropriate education Considered the foundation of special education in the United States; 1990- Law renamed to IDEA. What is an IEP? Individualized Education Plan Written plan that describes the program and special services a student requires to be successful Developed by parents and educators Individualized- plan specifically developed for a child’s special needs