ADHD Guide 4 Schools new - Southern Education and Library Board
ADHD Guide 4 Schools new - Southern Education and Library Board
ADHD Guide 4 Schools new - Southern Education and Library Board
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<strong>ADHD</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> 4 <strong>Schools</strong> <strong>new</strong> 25/5/04 8:16 pm Page 7<br />
What causes it?<br />
<strong>ADHD</strong> is not a <strong>new</strong> phenomenon. Good quality research suggests <strong>ADHD</strong> is<br />
caused by neurotransmitter dysfunction, primarily in the frontal lobe area of the<br />
brain. The neurotransmitter chemical Dopamine is implicated.<br />
<strong>ADHD</strong> cannot be caught, transmitted or caused by environmental factors such<br />
as diet, parenting or education. However, we must remember that<br />
environmental factors can influence every child <strong>and</strong> so are still important.<br />
Will they grow out of it?<br />
While children’s concentration <strong>and</strong> behaviour usually improve with age <strong>and</strong><br />
maturity, the problems of those with <strong>ADHD</strong> may continue in the longer term. It<br />
is not therefore safe to wait for them to “grow out of it”. Proper help <strong>and</strong> care<br />
are needed to reduce the impact of <strong>ADHD</strong> on children’s learning, behaviour<br />
<strong>and</strong> emotional development.<br />
Strengths of the child with <strong>ADHD</strong><br />
While children with <strong>ADHD</strong> have some difficulties, they also have many<br />
strengths. Some children with <strong>ADHD</strong> may be:<br />
good at expressing themselves;<br />
quick to put what they learn into practice;<br />
good at “seeing the big picture”;<br />
fun to be with;<br />
enthusiastic;<br />
curious;<br />
humorous;<br />
artistic;<br />
energetic.<br />
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