ebook_ADHD2019

The World Federation of ADHD Guide 67 ADHD OCCURS IN BOYS, GIRLS, MEN, AND WOMEN AT ALL LEVELS OF INTELLIGENCE Years ago, ADHD was seen as a problem occurring only in little boys who were hyperactive. It is now clear that ADHD occurs in many individuals who are not hyperactive. Although it is more often recognized in males, it also is found in a sig- nificant number of girls and women. High intelligence is not a protection against ADHD. Many with ADHD are very bright, but still struggle a lot in exercising executive functions described above which are essential for success in school, work and many activities of daily life. THOSE WITH ADHD OFTEN HAVE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS IN LEARNING OR EMOTIONS A very large percentage of children, teens and adults with ADHD have one or more additional problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and/or specific learning disorders in reading, math or written expression. One of the- se other problems may be identified first, possibly overlooking the underlying ADHD. Or the ADHD may be recognized while another underlying disorder is not noticed or treated. Russell Barkley and Thomas Brown 7 have written about unrecognized ADHD in persons diagnosed with other disorders and Brown 8 has edited a handbook on ADHD complicated by additional disorders. If another im- pairing disorder is present, it may be important for that additional disorder to be directly treated concurrent to the ADHD. EDUCATION ABOUTADHD NEEDS TO BE AN ONGOING PROCESS Education of patients and families about ADHD is not accomplished in one or several conversations. It should be an ongoing process that needs to address chan- ging concerns as the individual with ADHD encounters different challenges and tasks of development over time. Education is important for helping those with ADHD to understand themselves and to improve their abilities to cope with emer- ging challenges. Education is also important for helping parents and other family members to respond with understanding and compassion to the changing challen- ges presented by the family members with ADHD. Below are some resources that may be useful to parents, teachers and others interested in getting additional updated educational information about ADHD.