What are the effects of severe ADHD on a child’s social and emotional health? Does ADHD make it harder on a child to learn simple things like learning to drive a car or drive a four-wheeler?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects children’s behavior, attention and learning. Children with this disorder are often easily distracted, impulsive and have difficulty concentrating. A child may exhibit over-activity or be a day dreamer who sits quietly but “spaces out” during class time. Although ADHD is not a learning disorder the child’s difficulty attending, concentrating and controlling their impulses can contribute to academic issues. If left untreated ADHD can have serious negative effects on self-esteem, school performance and social emotional development. Since riding a bike or operating other machinery takes some concentration and attention it may take longer for a child with ADHD to master those skills and they may need a great deal more supervision in those activities than other children. The good news is that there are medications and strategies that can work to support the success of a child with ADHD. Consult with the child’s pediatrician about options available to help.