Assessing and Intervening with Children with ADHD

According to the American Psychiatric Association, individuals with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This chapter discusses the prevalence of ADHD and how it manifests in children and adolescents, reviews current perspectives on the neurobiology of ADHD, and considers its impact on a variety of neurocognitive functions and methods for assessing each area, and concludes with a discussion of treatments and interventions. A wide variety of risk factors should be inquired about during an ADHD evaluation. Children and adolescents with ADHD often demonstrate difficulties with learning and memory, which should be distinguished from learning disorders. Several commonly recommended school supports for ADHD are described. The chapter also focuses on four commonly employed psychosocial interventions: social skills training, peer intervention, Cognitive Behavioral training, and parent training. The following three well‐researched treatment recommendations are discussed: dietary supplements, neurofeedback, and physical exercise.