Inattention - People with this type have trouble focusing and staying organized. They might forget things easily, lose items often, have difficulty following directions, or struggle to finish tasks. It's not that they don't care - their brains just work differently.

Hyperactivity - This involves having too much energy and difficulty staying still. People might fidget constantly, talk a lot, have trouble staying seated, or always feel like they need to be moving.

Impulsivity - This means acting without thinking first. Someone might interrupt others, make quick decisions without considering consequences, or have trouble waiting their turn.

Three types are recognized:

Inattentive Type - Mainly attention problems

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type - Mainly hyperactivity and impulsivity

Combined Type - A mix of both attention and hyperactivity issues

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD runs in families, which means genetics play a big role. If a parent has ADHD, their children are more likely to have it too. The condition affects how certain parts of the brain develop and work, especially areas responsible for attention, planning, and self-control.

ADHD is NOT caused by:

• Bad parenting

• Too much screen time

• Eating too much sugar

• Lack of willpower

Who Gets ADHD?

ADHD affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders. It's usually first noticed during childhood, often when kids start school and need to sit still and focus for longer periods. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, but this might be because ADHD can look different in girls and is sometimes missed.

ADHD can impact many areas of life:

• At School - Students might struggle to pay attention in class, forget assignments, have messy handwriting, or find it hard to organize their materials.

• At Home - People might have trouble completing chores, keeping their rooms clean, or remembering family rules and routines.

• With Friends - Social relationships can be challenging due to impulsive behavior, difficulty taking turns, or trouble reading social cues.

• Emotions - ADHD can make emotions feel stronger and harder to control. People might get frustrated easily or feel overwhelmed by everyday situations.

Strengths That Come with ADHD

While ADHD creates challenges, many people with the condition also have unique strengths:

• High energy and enthusiasm

• Creativity and original thinking

• Ability to hyperfocus on interesting topics

• Quick thinking and problem-solving

• Willingness to take risks and try new things

• Deep thinking and reflection

• Strong imagination and daydreaming abilities

• Gentle, calm personality

• Good listening skills when interested

• Ability to see the big picture

• Creative problem-solving through quiet observation

• Less likely to be disruptive to others (inattentive type)

• Often very empathetic and sensitive to others' feelings

Getting Help

ADHD is very treatable. Common treatments include:

Medication - Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. These work by helping brain chemicals function better.

Therapy - Behavioral therapy teaches coping strategies, organization skills, and ways to manage symptoms. Family therapy can help everyone learn how to work together.

School Support - Students might get extra time on tests, preferred seating, or help with organization through special education services.

Lifestyle Changes - Regular exercise, good sleep habits, healthy eating, and structured routines can all help manage symptoms.

Many successful people have ADHD, including athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists. With proper support and treatment, people with ADHD can thrive in school, work, and relationships. The key is understanding how their brain works differently and finding strategies that play to their strengths while managing challenges.

ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't define a person's potential. With the right support, people with ADHD can achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.