Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects many individuals, couples and families. ADHD is a neurological processing disorder, affecting a person’s ability to regulate impulsivity and activity level, as well as to pay attention. ADHD affects individuals in different ways, but there are patterns which can be identified and tracked.

Many individuals with ADHD struggle with distractibility, maintaining interest in  a project or work once it has begun.

People with ADHD are often described as "flying off the handle," "having a quick tongue," or other unpredictable behaviors, such as bursting into a conversation or being unable to wait in a line. Individuals with ADHD will often later regret having acted impulsively.

The "H" in ADHD is Hyperactivity, one of the describing characteristics of ADHD. Afflicted individuals tend to be fidgety, and unable to sit still, and can struggle with sleep.

Inattentive types can be described as "dreamers,"  and when addressed, they may not respond - or say, "What?" They might actually fall asleep at a meeting (or if a student, in school).

If you are looking at a child diagnosed with ADHD, you might hear teachers describing the child as "not paying attention, speaking out of turn, always forgetting his homework, getting frustrated," or " acting out."

If you suspect that a child might have symptoms of ADHD, it is really important to explore your suspicions. Your child’s school can offer testing to determine if a diagnosis of ADHD is warranted and accommodations might then be able to be put in place to support your child academically and socially.

There are many excellent resources for individuals who are interested in learning more about how ADHD affects adults and children.

Some online resources are:

ADDitude magazine

CHADD  is the "Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" national organization.

There are chapters of CHADD in all states and in many counties, including one in Chester County, PA. •