More and more children are getting a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to new data from the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentage of children with the condition rose from 7% in 1998-2000 to 9% in 2007-2009, for both boys and girls.

Whatever the underlying reasons for the condition’s rise, a tremendous amount of money is being spent on health care and educational interventions directed at ADHD, not to mention other costs to parents. In 2005, using an estimated prevalence of only 5%, researcher’s estimated the societal cost of this diagnosis (mental illness) to be about $42.5 billion.

It’s not all bad news; it could mean that with greater awareness of the condition and better access to health care, more children who have ADHD get a proper diagnosis, which is the first step toward seeking appropriate treatment. Given the costs, both economically and emotionally, to families with a child with ADHD we have devoted two shows for our listeners to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding ADHD and to provide specific strategies for parents and teachers to manage the behaviors of a child with ADHD so that their children can compete and succeed.

We follow the overview presented in the first show with a more in depth explanation of the physiology of ADHD and the impulse control and organizational skills impairments that result for young children, teens and adults. We again review the pro’s & con’s of medication and alternative interventions as an adjunct to parenting practices that benefit both the ADHD child and parent. The four key principles of behavioral intervention – Relationship, Brevity, Novelty, Structure – are illustrated along with specific tips on to implement these interventions. We close with concrete and detailed techniques for parents, teachers and adults with ADHD to help compensate for the struggles brought about by this disorder.

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