Everything You Need to Know About the Rise in ADHD

The rise in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in recent years has raised many questions. For parents and students especially, it’s important to understand what ADHD is, why it’s becoming more common, and how it impacts education.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the areas of the brain that govern things like task management, attention, and impulse control don’t function normally. It affects both children and adults, but is often first noticed in childhood.

ADHD is an umbrella term that covers three types:

• Predominantly inattentive type (previously called ADD)
• Combined type
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

Symptoms vary depending on the person and the type of ADHD, but can include things like:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Fidgeting
• Struggling to complete tasks
• Procrastinating
• Excessive talking

These behaviors can significantly impact academic performance, social interactions, and daily functioning.

Why Is ADHD on the Rise?

ADHD is a real condition that deserves proper accommodation. The rise in ADHD diagnoses has both positive and negative elements that have to be considered.

Better Awareness = More Screening

A major factor in the increase in ADHD diagnosis is improved awareness and understanding of the disorder. In the past, behaviors linked to ADHD were often seen as disobedience or laziness. However, as understanding has evolved, more people recognize ADHD as a diagnosis. This and greater visibility have led to more people noticing symptoms and seeking screenings for themselves or their children.

Imperfect Diagnostics and Overlap Between Conditions

ADHD is part of a broader category called neurodivergence, which includes various conditions like autism and dyslexia. The overlap between these conditions and ADHD, as well as with other mental health issues such as anxiety and bipolar disorder, can complicate diagnosis.

Diagnostic methods aren’t perfect, and symptoms of different conditions can mix. Humans don’t always fit neatly into categories, and this can lead to borderline ADHD diagnoses. This doesn’t mean the doctor is wrong, but that ADHD might just be the nearest thing they can base a plan on to help the person. Sometimes, diagnosis is a practical decision with caveats.

Potential Biases

Certain biases can also contribute to ADHD diagnosis. For example, research has shown that younger students in a grade level are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to their older peers.¹ This could be due to normal developmental differences rather than true ADHD.

Misdiagnosis Due to Poor Diagnostic Tools

Comprehensive computer-aided ADHD testing can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis, but not all clinics have access to these advanced tools, and insurance coverage can vary. When testing isn’t available or is skipped, there’s a higher risk of misdiagnosis.

Misdiagnosis Related to Failures in Education

Sometimes, schools simply fail to adapt to students’ learning styles and needs, leading them to interpret academic problems as symptoms of ADHD. Teachers and doctors who are not specialized in ADHD might make assumptions due to a lack of understanding or observation of the classroom environment. The prevalence of ADHD in schools may be blamed on the students, when the larger issue is with the teaching methods.

Can ADHD Affect Your Child's Academic Progress?

ADHD can significantly impact a child's academic progress in various ways:

• Inattention in Class: Missing information can lead to poor comprehension, snowballing into bigger struggles when they can’t grasp the basis for new concepts.
• Interruptions and Impulsivity: Frequently disrupting class can lead to disciplinary actions, affecting academic performance.
• Disorganization: Trouble organizing tasks and materials can result in incomplete or late assignments.
• Restlessness: Without a proper outlet for restless energy, they can find it hard to sit still, making it even harder to focus.
• Lost Self-Esteem and Motivation: A lack of school accommodations for ADHD can make it difficult for them to achieve their goals. They can feel defeated and struggle to find reasons to keep trying in school.

Lydian Academy Offers the Best School Environment for ADHD

Lydian Academy is a boutique private independent school that offers personalized education tailored to each student’s unique needs. Our one-to-one, student-centered learning environment ensures that students with ADHD receive the attention and support they need to excel academically.

Our approach includes:

• Customized Curriculum: We develop individualized learning plans that cater to the specific strengths and challenges of each student.
• Flexible Scheduling: Our flexible scheduling allows students to learn at their own pace, reducing the stress and pressure often associated with traditional schooling.
• Supportive Environment: Our teachers are trained to recognize and address the needs of attention-challenged students, providing a supportive and understanding learning environment.
• Innovative Teaching Methods: We use a variety of teaching methods and tools to engage students and help them stay focused and motivated.

At Lydian Academy, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed with the right support and resources. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or struggles with attention and learning in a traditional school setting, contact us to learn more about how our personalized education can make a difference.

Sources:

1. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/11/28/671614909/youngest-children-in-a-class-are-most-likely-to-get-adhd-diagnosis