.In the United States, the doctors diagnose ADHD more frequently than do other doctors anywhere else in world. There are specific behavioral characteristics must be observed for a medical professional to diagnose ADHD. These characteristics are as follows: Inattention: Those affected by this disorder have a hard time keeping their minds focused on the task before them. Impulsively: These children act before considering the consequences; this could be dangerous as they may run into the street before looking for oncoming traffic. They may call out unacceptable comments in the classroom, interrupt others conversations and can be extraordinarily awkward or accident-prone. Hyperactivity: The affected children appear to be in almost continual motion, as if driven by a motor. At school, they cant seem to sit still; they wiggle and move restlessly at their desks. Often, these children will roam around the classroom, touching things, disturbing the other children and the teacher, make unnecessary noise and talk excessively (Encarta 98 Encyclopedia)Children afflicted with ADHD face numerous educational, developmental and social challenges. African American children with ADHD must also cope with different language characteristics, communication styles and varied cultural factors (Wright). The childs family members undertake numerous challenges as well and all family members, including siblings, experience the stresses and pressures associated with ADHD. To better cope with these challenges and relieve stresses in the family unit, it is important that parents recognize when their child has this disorder and that they seek appropriate treatment (Erk 3). Recognizing the disorder is another challenge in of itself (Johnson 155). There are many contradicting viewpoints when it comes to diagnosing and treating ADHD (Johnson 155). Although the disorder might impair a childs ability to learn, intelligence doesnt appear to be a determining facto...
