May 15, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 Tips help adults recognize ADHD in children As children prepare for the end of the school year and summer activities, such as camp, their parents are preparing them for time spent with their peers Some kids can’t wait to get to summer camp, where they can continue their studies and spend time with their friends. Others, though, might not look forward to structured activities, and that might be because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common condition in which children experience problems with paying attention or concentrating. Such problems can make it difficult for kids to excel. Many children have ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as three to five percent of children have ADHD, while other experts feel ADHD occurs in as many as 10 percent of school-aged children. Because it is so prevalent, ADHD is a concern for many parents. Parents who suspect their children have difficulty paying attention or concentrating can look for certain warning signs or symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in children are grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Inattention will often not be noticeable until a child enters a school environment. A child with ADHD will: * exhibit a tendency to make careless mistakes in school or other activities, * frequently shift from one uncompleted activity to another, * procrastinate, * struggle to finish schoolwork or perform tasks that require concentration, * be distracted by irrelevant stimuli. Hyperactivity symptoms can manifest themselves rather early and are almost always present before a child reaches his or her seventh birthday. Symptoms of hyperactivity include: * fidgeting or squirming when seated, * frequently getting up to walk around, * running or climbing excessively when it is inappropriate, * talking excessively. Impulsivity can lead to accidents, such as knocking over objects or banging into people. Impulsive children may also engage in dangerous activities without considering the consequences. Symptoms may include: * impatience, * difficulty delaying responses, * difficulty awaiting one’s turn, * initiating conversations at inappropriate times, * frequently interrupting or intruding on others. Parents who want more information on ADHD may visit www.nimh.nih.gov.