Many people have probably heard and may even have used the term hyperactivity. The notion is a modern one; there were no hyperactive children 50 to 60 years ago. Today, if anything, the term is applied too often and too widely. Hyperactivity is not one particular condition; it is a set of behaviours -such as excessive restlessness and short attention span- that are quantitatively and qualitatively different from those of children of the same sex, mental age, and socioeconomic status.
The work starts with some considerations and facts about ADHD children and adults. Based on some observations in elementary Canadian schools, three real cases with ADHD children are presented. We bring some suggestions about identification and types of specialists who are able to make the diagnosis. School age and preschool children are often evaluated by a school psychologist or a team made up of the school psychologist and other specialists
We present procedures of gathering information about ADHD children and adults behaviour and also about school, home and work environments. Although parents have the option of taking their child to a private practitioner for evaluation and educational services, most children with ADHD qualify for free services within the public schools. Steps are taken to ensure that each child with ADHD receives an education that meets his or her unique needs.
The most common intervention for students with ADHD is a controversial one-prescription of psychostimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin and Dexedrine). As useful as these drugs are, Ritalin and the other stimulants have sparked a great deal of controversy. Most doctors feel the potential side effects should be carefully weighed against the benefits before prescribing the drugs. Some specialists claims that medication can help to control some of the behavior problems that may have lead to family turmoil. But more often, there are other aspects of the problem that medication can't touch. Understandably, parents who are eager to help their children want to explore every possible option. Many newly touted treatments sound reasonable. Many even come with glowing reports. Some are even developed by reputable doctors or specialists but when tested scientifically, cannot be proven to help.
Anyways, the process of collecting data about ADHD children, focus on interviewing families, teachers and school communities. Adult diagnosis begin with testing frustration, anxiety, depression at school and work. For ADHD students we come up with some educational options, some teaching methods and of course medical intervention with stimulant drugs and available therapies (psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, social skills therapy, support groups and parenting skills training).