Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay -- ADHD Research Paper

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a prevalent in today’s classrooms. There are many co-existing communication difficulties associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this paper I will discuss the nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its common communication characteristics, and the implications of these characteristics socially, emotionally and academically as well as communication strategies that teachers may use to ensure that students with this disorder may be included in a regular class setting. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is also known by its abbreviated name ADHD. The American Family Physician (2001) states that â€Å"at least 9% of school aged children have ADHD†. ADHD is described as â€Å"a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by varying degrees of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity† (American Family Physician, 2001). Characteristics of ADHD can be divided into three categories, impulsiveness, inattention and hyperactivity and can include the following: †¢ Excessive talking †¢ Blurting †¢ Interrupting †¢ Not following directions †¢ Off task behavior †¢ Poor Self-Regulation †¢ Distractability †¢ Poor follow through on tasks (Okmi & Kaiser, 2000) It is important to note that some visual and hearing problems may also cause these behaviors. Medical doctors must diagnose ADHD and will rule out these problems before diagnosis. ADHD is a genetic disorder and is highly heritable, this is also important to think of when diagnosing ADHD (Tannock, 2013). Doctors diagnose patients by reading rating scales that the child’s teacher and parents both fill out and listening to anecdotal information of people involved in the child’s life. They also shou... ... K., & Kaiser, A. (2000). Language Characteristics of Children with ADHD. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 21(3), 154-165. Ostrander, R., & Herman, K. (2006). Potential Cognitive, Parenting and Developmental Mediators of the Relationship Between ADHD and Depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(1), 89-98 Tannock, R. (n.d.). Language and Mental Health Disorders: The Case of ADHD. Language and Mental Health Disorders: The Case of ADHD. Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://www.cas.uio.no/Publications/Seminar Wymbs, B. (2011). Mechanisms underlying the influence of disruptive child behaviour on interparental communication. Journal of Family Psychology, 25(6), 873-884. Zentall, S. (2005). Contributors to the social goals and outcomes of students with ADHD with and without LD. International Journal of Educational Research, 43, 290-307