Although many kids sometimes have a hard time sitting still, listening, or thinking before we something, people with AD/HD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) struggle with this every day! It can cause problems for them at home, at school and in the neighborhood.

AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder. Basically that means that some kid’s brains are “wired” differently – in a way that makes it hard for them to pay attention and sit still. It is the same as some kids who can run faster than others, they might have longer legs or stronger muscles. There is something about their bodies that makes them able to run faster, just like there is something about the brains of AD/HD kids that makes them more easily distracted.

Kids who have AD/HD might:

• have a hard time finishing school work or projects,
• have trouble finding things when they need them or lose stuff often,
• make careless errors often,
• daydream in class,
• be poor listeners,
• be forgetful,
• or always seeming distracted.

Some kids with AD/HD are more active and they might:

• be squirmy and fidgety,
• have trouble staying seated,
• tend to “run” form place to place,
• be loud,
• talk a lot,
• be very impatient or have trouble taking turns,
• or interrupt people who are talking often.

What causes AD/HD?

The most recent research indicates that AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder. If you have AD/HD it is not because you are bad kid or have bad parents. AD/HD affects about 3-5 % of the population. That means that out of every 100 kids about 3-5 will have AD/HD. Just because a kid has AD/HD doesn’t mean they are bad. Everyone can make a bad choice every now and then and everyone has good and bad days. It is important to remember that there will be some things that a person with AD/HD can’t help.

AD/HD runs in families and in many cases there might be a brother, sister or parent who also has some of the same troubles. AD/HD doesn’t come from eating too much sugar either.

How do I help myself?

• Some kids with AD/HD see counselors, doctors or psychiatrists to help them. Some kids take medicine that helps them focus.
• Other kids have teachers and parents who help them by making lists and helping them to stay organized.
• Be sure to try and notice when you are paying attention and when you aren’t. Have reminders for yourself so you can complete what you need to do.
• Slow down!! When you are doing school work, go back and check it for careless errors.
• Use a “Stop & Think” strategy before you do something that might get you into trouble. Always try to think of the consequences. AD/HD may be a medical problem, but it is not an excuse for making poor choices.
• Talk to your parents about how things are going at school, at home and with your friends.
• If you have a hard time paying attention at school, ask to sit closer to the teacher or the board. If you know that certain kids or things (like the pencil sharpener or window) are distracting, ask to sit away from them.
• Reward yourself when you make good choices or finish tasks that have to be done. Say to yourself, when I finish my homework I can play a game.
• Get the phone number of a classmate who you can call if you forget an assignment or have a question.
• Ask for help when you don’t understand or if you missed something.