• ADHD is a genuine neurobiological disorder that was clinically observed more than 100 years ago.
  

• All of the major medical associations and government health agencies recognize this fact because the scientific evidence is overwhelming.
  

• ADHD occurs in 5 to 12% of school age children world wide.
  

• ADHD is the most common mental health disorder in children.
  

• 80% maintain the diagnosis into adolescence.
  

• 60% are still affected by core symptoms in adulthood.
  

• ADHD is under-diagnosed and under-treated.
  

• Research shows that ADHD is most likely inherited.
  

• There are three subtypes types of ADHD:

1. predominately inattentive
2. predominately hyperactive
3. combined

• Predominately Inattentive ADHD (ADD) often goes undiagnosed until later in life.
  

• New research shows that problems with executive functioning greatly affect those with ADHD.

• ADHD is a problem with regulating attention not just inattention.
  

• Parenting styles do not cause ADHD.
  

• Diets and limiting food additives and sugar will not cure ADHD.
  

• Treatment for ADHD should always be multi-modal.
  

• Using medication for ADHD does not lead to future drug abuse and may decrease the chance that adolescents with ADHD self medicate.
  

• Children and adolescents with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for:
  

-problems with learning, resulting in less academic success
-dropping out of high school
-poor self esteem
-substance abuse
-increased parent-child conflict and stress
-sustaining injuries and having accidents
-more mental health issues as they grow up
-problems with social skills and peer relationships
-increased number of driving accidents and severity
-becoming a juvenile offender