ADHD and gender

Dear Deep Creek Family, 

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) says that 5 percent of American children have ADHD. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts the number at more than double the APA's number. The CDC says that 11 percent of American children, ages 4 to 17, have the attention disorder.  Sep 4, 2014

As educators, we clearly see the rise in inattentive, distracted children.  Some of us feel this is 
due to the rise in use of electronic devices (tables, video games, phones) at such young ages.  
Some feel there are parenting issues that cause ADHD.  There is no known cause for ADHD, 
but if a parent has ADHD, there is a 50% chance that a child will have it.  Exposure to toxins 
during pregnancy (alcohol, smoke) is also a factor, as is damage to the front part of the brain 
that regulates emotions and impulses.

Boys tend to be diagnosed with ADHD twice as much as girls do.  According to an article by 
Alan Schwartz and Sarah Cohen of The New York Times,  “the unique needs and characteristics of girls with ADHD” need greater exploration. A 2005 study looking at gender differences in ADHD found higher rates of “oppositional defiant disorder” and “conduct disorder” in males, and higher rates of “separation anxiety disorder” in females, suggesting that internalizing disorders are more common in females and externalizing disorders are more common in males.



In a 2004 survey of perceived gender differences in attention deficit disorder, 82 percent of teachers believed that attention deficit disorder is more prevalent in boys. Four out of ten teachers admitted they have more difficulty recognizing ADHD symptoms in girls. Girls tend to "suffer silently" because their behaviors are not outward...their inattentive symptoms are less "troublesome or noticeable".

Here are a few tips to help with any ADHD child:

• Set very clear behavioral expectations and very clear consequences, but leave room for redemption so that the child could end the day on a good note.
• Pay attention to underachieving girls, even if their behavior is not disruptive. Inattention may look like day dreaming  or sleepiness.
• Regardless of how they appear, children with ADHD experience a good deal of frustration and confusion.  Its a scary thing when you aren't in control of your behavior.
• Being the parent of a special needs child can be exhausting. Recognize this and look for common ground to create a great partnership with families.  

Enjoy the week...
Noelle