ADD/ADHD: Societies Views



ADD/ADHD: Societies Views

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name given to a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People with ADHD are hyperactive or distracted most of the time. Even when they try to concentrate, have difficulty paying attention. Adult People with ADHD have difficulty organizing things, listening to instructions, remembering details and controlling their behavior. Therefore, people with ADHD often have trouble getting along with others at home, at school or at work. 

The attention deficit disorder is a disorder that occurs most often in children, and this has negative impact on school performance. Appears more frequently in boys than in girls, and having a percentage of 20 to 30% retention in the adult stage. There are three main types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), inattentive type, the hyperactive /impulsive and combined type (there are discussions about the compatibility of the inattentive type and hyperactive). This disorder occurs more frequently in boys than in girls, a ratio of three to one. Although the variety inattentive, predominantly girls, and the other two children.

Rabiner (1999) notes that the primary symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity) do not seem to be the direct cause for negative interactions and outcomes, but rather the difficulties they face in the social, occupational, familial and behavioural aspects. Another issue Rabiner (1999) mentions is that “ADHD symptoms vary not only across settings but can also fluctuate dramatically within the same setting”, this may cause parents to think that their child is just “playing up” and they may react negatively towards their child's “ungrateful” attitude. Teachers may dismiss underestimate the children's intellect or label them as fussy over what they want to or do not want to do, due to their inconsistent work ethic.

According to Desgranges et al (1995), teachers also label children with ADHD, which causes them to treat children with ADHD differently. Teachers who have to deal with children with ADHD face a greater strain on their already drained resources and full classes. However it is not only teachers who are affected by this behavioral disorder, according to Cantwell (1996), “interaction conflicts with mothers are more common in younger children with ADHD than older children with ADHD”. Cantwell (1996) also notes non-compliance as an issue amongst older children with ADHD - this may lead to strained relationships with parents and siblings as a war wages over whom will get their way. This leads to frustration and general tension amongst the whole family.

In families, ADHD can cause huge problems, especially if there is more than just one ADHD child or just more than one child. Parents will develop double standards because they feel that their “problem” child just cannot cope with the chores/responsibilities their other “normal” children can. The siblings may see the double standards the parents use to judge their children's behaviour and become resentful and develop an attitude of non-compliance in response to this setting as a form of rebelling. With a whole family of difficult children, parents may feel as if they cannot cope ...