October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to uncover some of the mysteries surrounding this condition that impacts millions. Most people know someone who has ADHD, but may not fully understand what it entails and what can be done to manage it. The more we learn about ADHD, the better we can identify it and offer support to those who live with it.
“ADHD is not just about distraction; it can deeply affect a person’s confidence, relationships, and ability to thrive in everyday life,” says Leanne DiSanto, owner and managing director of LearningRx Irvine in Costa Mesa, California, part of a worldwide network of brain training centers. “As parents, educators, and peers, we need to recognize the signs, ask deeper questions, and create environments where children and adults feel safe to talk about their struggles.”
According to research from The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association, the prevalence of ADHD has increased in recent years, in part due to broader diagnostic criteria. Whether we are diagnosing it more effectively or the condition is genuinely becoming more prevalent, there’s no denying its impact on social, academic, and professional lives. Untreated ADHD can lead to significant challenges, but with proper understanding and intervention, these challenges can be managed effectively.
ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children but also affects many adults. It starts in childhood and can persist into adulthood, affecting school, work, and personal lives. Here are five key things everyone should know about ADHD:
What is ADHD?According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning and development. This can manifest as difficulty sustaining focus, disorganization, or impulsivity that disrupts daily life.
How common is ADHD?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately 7 million children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, with boys being more likely to receive the diagnosis than girls. Around 60% of those diagnosed have moderate to severe cases, and many also have co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. For adults, the lifetime prevalence is about 8%.
What ADHD looks like.Signs of ADHD include difficulty paying attention to details, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, and daydreaming. Hyperactivity may present as excessive fidgeting, squirming, or talking, while impulsivity can show up in hasty decisions made without considering the consequences.
What helps ADHD?Once ADHD is identified, there are numerous strategies to manage it. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, medication, diet improvements, regular physical activity, and environmental changes like routines and minimizing distractions. For children, it's essential to help them develop strong coping skills. Parents should lead by example, showing their kids how to address challenges head-on rather than deflect or zone out.
Working with the brain.Brain training programs, like those offered at LearningRx Irvine, are designed to improve cognitive abilities, including attention, memory recall, and critical thinking. These programs help build the confidence needed to cope with ADHD, providing children and adults with the tools to better focus and thrive in both school and life.
“At LearningRx Irvine, we specialize in helping individuals with ADHD strengthen their cognitive skills, which in turn helps them feel more confident and capable,” DiSanto adds. “Our brain training programs empower individuals by boosting focus, learning skills, and overall mental clarity. When parents open up a dialogue and model positive coping strategies, they give their children permission to do the same.”
LearningRX specializes in one-on-one brain training for people of all ages. The service works by first conducting an assessment to determine the blueprint of cognitive skills, discover where the gaps are, and determine what needs to be strengthened. Then, a customized program is created, and the student and brain trainer meet one-on-one to create long-lasting improvements. Programs offered include school readiness training, reading, math, study, brain injury training, brain boosting training, and more.
DiSanto’s location serves those in Southern California, such as Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, and the surrounding Los Angeles or San Diego areas. To get more information or book an assessment to make long-lasting and life-changing improvements, visit the site at: https://www.learningrx.com/costa-mesa-irvine/
