Responses should be at least 250words and include 3 things you learned from the original post below and 1 follow-up question you have.

1. "Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays" (CDC). Examples of developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, dyslexia and other learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and language disorders. Because these conditions can affect a family and child's life so dramatically, and because they are so common, it's wise for every parent-to-be to learn something about them in order to be prepared should they find that their child is diagnosed with one or more of these conditions.

2. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a very common condition that is diagnosed in children and adults. I, unknowingly, struggled with this condition throughout my childhood, and was finally diagnosed as an adult. This condition caused my parents and myself a lot of stress. Having a diagnosis as a child would've been very beneficial to me and to them, so it's important that new parents understand that sometimes a child isn't just acting out or being forgetful or not turning in homework or being uncooperative; they may, in fact, have ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD is a process. It requires ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms the child is experiencing. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities can present similarly. After ruling out other possible conditions, the process of diagnosing ADHD can continue. The doctor will want to speak with anyone who spends time with the child regularly such as parents, teachers, or other caregivers to ask about the behaviors the child is exhibiting. A diagnosis requires that the child has six or more symptoms of attention deficit and/or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity. In addition, these symptoms must interfere with daily life in order for the child to receive a diagnosis. It's important to note that not all children with ADHD are hyperactive and not all have difficulty paying attention.

ADHD is caused by a deficiency in norepinephrine, but what causes that deficiency is unknown, although it appears to have a genetic component. Studies are being done to try and determine what, if anything else, contributes to it. Children with ADHD can experience both inattentiveness and hyperactivity, or only one of those. These children might be forgetful, fidgety, impulsive, and easily distracted.

The checklist of attention deficit symptoms includes:

"Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.

Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).

Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)

Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

Is often easily distracted

Is often forgetful in daily activities." (CDC).

The checklist of hyperactivity symptoms includes:

A. "Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.

B. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.

C. Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).

D. Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.

E. Is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor".

F. Often talks excessively.

G. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.

H. Often has trouble waiting their turn.

I. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)" (CDC).

Treatment options for ADHD include behavioral therapy for the child and training for the parents and medications, if behavioral interventions don't work. Medications can be stimulant or non-stimulant.

Research and data show that kids with ADHD who aren't treated have difficulty maintaining friendships, have conflict with parents and teachers, and risk not doing well in school. These children are also more likely to be injured in car accidents, more likely to self-harm, more likely to take risks, and more likely to to visit the E.R. than children with ADHD who are treated. Medications for ADHD have been tested on children as young as six years old and are shown to be effective and safe. ADHD medication in kids younger than six is still being studied.

Because genetics play a role in ADHD, there is no way to completely prevent it, but there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk. Avoiding exposure to lead, alcohol, and smoking during pregnancy can help, as well as having good prenatal care to help prevent low birth weight and premature birth. Preventing childhood brain injuries can also help reduce the risk of ADHD.

3. Non-hispanic black and white children are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently than other children. Twelve percent of black children, ten percent of white children, eight percent of hispanic children and three percent of Asian children are diagnosed. Thirteen percent of boys are diagnosed versus six percent of girls.

4. ADHD affects people of all ages and races, boys, girls, men, and women. Behavorial therapy can help children who are dealing with this condition as well as those who care for those kids. Medications are also a safe and effective way to help kids with ADHD. As new parents-to-be, patience and creativity will go a long way in helping a child with ADHD to be happy and successful in school, work, and with personal relationships. As an adult with ADHD, I'm thankful for strategies I've learned to help me with this condition and for medications that help where strategy has been unable to. I believe ADHD is underdiagnosed in girls and women and I hope to see that changed in the future.

5.References

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html