Over 6.4 million children ages 4-17 are diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). However, one in five of these children are misdiagnosed. Kids with ADHD are impulsive, hyperactive and lack focus, but all kids act this way from time to time. Why are so many kids then being diagnosed with a behavioral disorder when many of the signs are common characteristics of just kids being kids?
Often, misdiagnoses occur when teachers suggest that parents evaluate their children for ADHD. Usually, these children are the youngest in the class and are held to standards according to their class rather than their age or emotional immaturity.
In addition, the states with the strictest standardized testing laws, where passing test scores determine school funding, have the highest amount of children diagnosed with ADHD. If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, their test scores don’t count toward the standardized test results.
ADHD is absolutely a legitimate medical condition, and there are millions of children who are properly diagnosed and medicated for it.
However, misdiagnosing children with ADHD is an increasing epidemic in our country. There are thousands of children on medication they don’t need, which stunts their growth, slows their development and costs Americans money.
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