ADHD Statistics

ADHD statistics that every teacher and parent should know. Learn the signs of ADHD and what to do about it.

Research has proven that this disorder is real. It is a neurological condition that often has a genetic link.

Students who show ADHD symptoms in the classroom need teachers who recognize it and aren't afraid to talk to parents. We have to be able to discuss the research and what it means with parents - their child's future well-being depends on it.

Often families know something isn't right, but their limited experience with other children leads them to think it is just normal childhood behavior.

Signs of ADHD and ADD

If you have students who have AD/HD or you suspect a child might have this disability, is it really critical for them to get help? Will it negatively impact their lives? It is highly likely. These children are at risk for failure, and they often need a behavior intervention plan.

Students who have attention disorders may display a variety of characteristics. The are often described as:

• not thinking before the act
• having difficulty following complex directions
• unable to wait
• having difficulty maintaining attention to tasks that are not interesting to them
• unable to comply with a schedule
• frequently losing things

ADHD in the classroom looks a lot like this, along with other school specific criteria.

What Educators Need to Know

Out of every 100 people with AD/HD:

25% of students with AD/HD have other serious learning issues in core skills areas

Nearly half of all AD/HD students experience difficulty with listening comprehension

35% of students with AD/HD drop out of school

30% of these students have failed or had to repeat a year of school

65% of children with AD/HD also have classroom discipline problems

90% of children with AD/HD underperform in school

60% have very serious handwriting difficulties (often is misdiagnosed as a form of dyslexia)

Boys are diagnosed 3 times more than girls

52% will abuse drugs and alcohol

50% of prison inmates have been found to have AD/HD

50% of AD/HD children experience sleeping problems

30% have poor organizational skills

Left undiagnosed and untreated, only 5% of these students will complete a four year college.

Is There Good News About ADHD Statistics?

With early intervention, nearly 50% of these students will learn to make adaptations and choices that ensure success. It is also noted by many studies that early intervention (ages 3-5) reduces the need for ADHD drugs.

A significant decrease in aggressive behavior (17%) and a positive increase (21%) in social skills were noted in a recent issue of School Psychology Review. This is in addition to improved academic success and overall increased perception of self-worth.

These statistics dramatically improve when behavior therapy is used in conjunction with a qualified treatment program for ADHD.

Given proper behavioral interventions and perhaps some academic modifications, these children will often be our most creative, successful students.

^{Sources Cited
ADD by the Numbers: a summary of the research by Russell Barkley, Ph.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Reeve, Ronald E. The academic impact of ADD. Attention summer 1994.
http://psychcentral.com/news/2007/08/22/treat-adhd-without-meds/1170.html (retrieved May 27, 2012)}






Back to Top