Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifespan, neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person's behaviour, attentiveness, and ability to control impulses.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD are present in neurotypical children and adults, for example lack of organisational skills, difficulty in focusing on a subject they find boring, time keeping, problems completing tasks, poor memory and recall, and issues regulating sleep. It is the permanance, extent and severity of these symptoms that make it difficult for people with ADHD, and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) to function in a neurotypical world.
The symptoms of ADHD are usually noticeable before the age of 6, children might struggle to sit still in the classroom, concentrate on school work or finish homework assignments, and it can also cause problems making friends. For a funny and touching look at friendship and school struggles take a look at Reggie Houser Has the Power. Helen Rutter has a reputation for empathetic stories, and delivers a "a really perceptive and moving exploration of what ADHD is like, what it feels like to not fit in." Most schools and colleges are now alert to the symptoms, and support is usually available through the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). ADHD can often become more apparent as children move into adolescence, and have to take on responsibilities and new routines as they transition to secondary school or higher education. And there is a legacy of undiagnosed adults who are now, in later age, discovering explanations for the struggles they have experienced throughout their lives.
ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and learning difficulties such as dyslexia - and the symptoms can overlap. There is also a likely genetic link between these conditions, and ADHD has a high degree of heritability meaning children with ADHD may often have a sibling or parent who also has ADHD. Whilst ADHD/ADD is thought to be equally present in boys and girls, despite the myths that surround this, there is a higher level of diagnosis in boys. Zoe Antoniades perfectly sums up the ups and downs of family life with ADHD, in her series of stories about twins Cally & Jimmy. "Cally is generally quiet and well-behaved and gives us a really good idea of what it’s like to live with the most-annoying-brother-in-the-whole-wide-world, describing the many times he gets them both into trouble, but she absolutely captures the fun they have together too."
People with ADHD are not lazy. They are not lacking in willpower or being naughty. They are coping with neurological differences that can make everyday activities exhausting and highly stressful. People with ADHD are often brilliantly creative, great fun, quick witted and exhilarating company. The hyperfocusing element of ADHD can be a superpower! There are many fantastically accomplished people who credit their ADHD for their success including the most decorated Olympic of all time Michael Phelps, business tycoon Richard Branson, actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks, and author and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi who has recently written a book about her late diagnosis, Scatter Brain. And ADHD is not a novel condition - physicians began describing ADHD behaviours as long ago as 1775 - but thankfully it is now becoming widely recognised, understood and accepted. Emily Snape's picture book, My Amazing ADHD Brain is a great guide to understanding what an ADHD diagnosis means and is full of practical ideas and activities to help young children manage this condition.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a global focus on the needs and support for people with ADHD, and their friends and families. It is also a chance to celebrate the unique talents and contributions that people with ADHD make to society.
The books in this collection are fictional stories that feature characters with ADHD and promote empathy and tolerance, as well as non-fiction books to give you the facts.
You can find further books in these related collections -
40 Children's Books about Autism or featuring an Autistic Character
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