Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Jathan. Jathan Wonders, “what causes ADHD” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Jathan!

It’s a Thursday afternoon and you’re in your last class of the day. Your eyelids are getting a bit heavy. After all, it’s been a long week! You’re having trouble concentrating on what the teacher is saying.

Before you know it, you’re sitting in your last class of the day one day later on Friday afternoon. The weekend is calling, and you can barely sit still. You’re so excited for a couple days off. Your thoughts of the days ahead are making it hard to concentrate again.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. All of us experience trouble sitting still and concentrating from time to time. However, many people have trouble doing so most of the time. These people have what doctors call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

How do people get ADHD? Scientists don’t know for sure what causes the condition. However, they do know people are born with it. They believe it is likely a genetic condition. That means it’s inherited through your genes. Kids with ADHD have differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity.

Do you or someone you know have ADHD? If so, you may have experienced problems paying attention and sitting still. This can make school very difficult! ADHD may also lead to acting impulsively without thinking. This can lead to problems making friends.

ADHD has many potential signs and symptoms. The two most common are trouble paying attention and hyperactivity. However, there are many others. Some people with ADHD report being distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Many kids with ADHD also tend to move around and talk a lot. Some may find it difficult not to interrupt when others are speaking. On the other hand, some kids with ADHD may seem shy or disinterested. The symptoms can vary widely.

If you’re thinking that you know a lot of people that act this way from time to time, you’re right. We all act in these ways occasionally. Kids with ADHD, on the other hand, experience these behaviors most, if not all, of the time. Experts estimate that about six million kids between the ages of 3-17 have ADHD.

Left untreated, the behaviors associated with ADHD can cause many issues. Some people with the condition become depressed, frustrated, and angry. When diagnosed by a doctor, though, ADHD can be treated. ADHD symptoms are often both physical and mental. Successful treatment usually involves both medicines and counseling.

Counseling often makes a big difference for people with ADHD. Therapists can help them deal with feelings of anger and depression. They can also recommend changes to both the school and home environment that can make it easier for kids with ADHD to be successful and build better friendships.

Some kids with ADHD may notice that they tend to grow out of the symptoms as they grow older. However, many continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives. If you or someone you know has ADHD, it’s important to see a doctor and find the right treatment.

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1

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