Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

As we come into awareness of who we are, based on the patterns of our biogenetic codes and the environment in which we were raised, we tend to understand and accept emotional problems and learning challenges—and most of all seek help to overcome our issues. As a special education teacher over many years, I was able to work with children who suffered from ADHD and related issues.

Today we understand that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be overcome in different ways, especially with new programs and medications offered to help children and adults focus and function in society. Learning challenges often are accompanied by personality disorders, all of which can be traced back to the biogenetic makeup of the person. It is becoming aware and taking responsibility for one's actions and directions that takes work and acceptance without the accompanying rage issues, that can lead to progress in life.

Please do not label these children 'Indigo Children' or use any other metaphysical expression that masks challenges and leads you to believe a child who cannot function has come here with special purpose. There have been psychically gifted children, without labels— as well as those unable to function in a learning situation.

In the twenty-first century, I have read so-called 'Indigo Children' who are now in their twenties— as well as their often overprotective parents. These young adults are now facing the true nature of the challenges. Some are getting help while others stay home, unable to work, and play video games all day, saying they want to write a book or something that reflects their inner turmoil.

In the News

Science Alert - July 10, 2024 The terms “AuDHD” or sometimes “AutiADHD” are being used on social media, with people describing what they experience or have seen as clinicians. It might seem surprising these two conditions can co-occur, as some traits appear to be almost opposite. For example, autistic folks usually have fixed routines and prefer things to stay the same, whereas people with ADHD usually get bored with routines and like spontaneity and novelty. But these two conditions frequently overlap and the combination of diagnoses can result in some unique needs. Here are five important things to know about AuDHD.

Science Alert - April 28, 2024 Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed when people experience problems with inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that negatively impacts them at school or work, in social settings and at home. Some people call the condition attention-deficit disorder, or ADD. So what's the difference? In short, what was previously called ADD is now known as ADHD. So how did we get here?

Science Alert - November 28, 2023 While more of us are being diagnosed with ADHD than ever, there's still so much we don't understand about the biological mechanisms behind the differences we experience. To begin with, no consistent set of responsible genes has even been identified.

Medical Express - November 1, 2019 If the latest statistics are any indication, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no longer an issue for children only. Over a 10-year period, ADHD rates more than doubled among American adults, new research shows. However, the rate among children remains much higher than in adults.

Science Daily - July 27, 2016 A team of scientists has found similarities in brain impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study involved brain imaging of white matter in 200 children. Many of the behaviors that contribute to impairment in autism, ADHD, and OCD, such as attention problems or social difficulties, occur across these conditions, and differ in severity from person to person. The researchers found that the brain's white matter structure was associated with a spectrum of behavioral symptoms present across these diagnoses. Children with greater brain impairment also had higher impairments in functioning in daily life, regardless of their diagnosis.

Live Science - December 8, 2015 The number of children and teens in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased significantly over the past decade, according to a new study. Researchers found that the number of U.S. children diagnosed with the disorder has increased by 43 percent since 2003. The findings suggest that 5.8 million children ages 5 to 17 in the United States have ADHD.

Live Science - February 17, 2015 I knew the tide was turning at my daughter's fifth-grade poster presentation. Each student chose a “cause” to present, the definition of “cause” left purposefully vague. Posters of all sizes and shades filled the room, with topics running the gamut from racism to obesity to pet abuse. (I don't remember which cause my daughter picked, but I do remember learning about it the night before, prompting a trip to Walgreen's, some bleary-eyed gluing, and a lecture on procrastination.) The children stayed near their posters, so parents could wander around and ask questions, like a soft introduction to abstract-viewing at a research conference. Perusing the room, I came upon a pink poster with glitter aplenty, boa feathers, and pictures of kids and pill bottles. In sparkly letters, the title read, “ADHD.” The child by the poster, a cute, freckled redhead, was telling anyone and everyone about her ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). She spoke of the challenges this presented and some of the medications she had tried. The message was loud and clear, and to be honest, downright awe-inspiring.

Science Daily - April 18, 2014 Psychologists have made a brain-related discovery that could revolutionize doctors' perception and treatment of attention-deficit disorders. This discovery opens up the possibility that environmental and/or genetic factors may hinder or suppress a specific brain activity that the researchers have identified as helping us prevent distraction.

Live Science - August 26, 2013 Nearly one in five children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have traits that are common among children with autism, and having these traits appears to increase children's risk of experiencing impairments in their everyday lives, a new study suggests. Among children in the study with ADHD, 18 percent had autistic traits, while less than 1 percent of children without ADHD had such traits. Children with ADHD and autistic traits were more likely to get in fights, be rejected by their peers, and have problems in school and with their siblings, compared with children with ADHD who did not have the autistic profile, the researchers said in their study.

PhysOrg - November 11, 2010 A government survey says 1 in 10 U.S. children has ADHD, a sizable increase from a few years earlier that researchers think might be explained by growing awareness and better screening. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, makes it hard for kids to pay attention and control impulsive behavior. It's often treated with drugs, behavioral therapy, or both. The new study found that about two-thirds of the children who have ADHD are on medication.

PhysOrg - September 30, 2010 The study also found significant overlap between these segments, known as copy number variants (CNVs), and genetic variants implicated in autism and schizophrenia, proving strong evidence that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder—in other words, that the brains of children with the disorder differ from those of other children.