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.
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Students who have attention disorders may display a variety of characteristics. The are often described as:
ADHD in the classroom looks a lot like this, along with other school specific criteria.
| 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. |
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.
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