Have you ever had a day when you were extra hyper and couldn’t concentrate, possibly due to that extra cup of coffee you had in the morning? Imagine feeling like that on a daily basis.

   Most people who have this type of problem have a disorder called ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can often affect a person in their adolescence and even adulthood. Well-known symptoms include: having trouble staying focused, having difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. Such a disorder can have dire consequences on the lives of students. Students who have this disorder often struggle to maintain 1) behavior, 2) social interaction, and 3) grades in the classroom. It is important to note that students usually are identified as being diagnosed with ADHD only after consistently demonstrating a failure to understand or follow rules or to complete required tasks.

   Studies have shown that students diagnosed with ADHD have lower average marks, more failed grades, more expulsions, increased dropout rates, and a lower rate of college undergraduate completion.

   Students with ADHD often have trouble paying attention to the lessons taught in the classroom. Things like not being able to follow specific rules or directions,  not listening to the teacher(s), and being distracted by external stimuli in the classroom. Students diagnosed with ADHD are also prone to impulsive and hyperactive behavior. While in a hyperactive state, students may not be able to sit still in a desk, frequently get up and wander about the classroom, ask to leave the classroom to go to the nurse or the bathroom, or act out in various ways in order to distract other students. When being impulsive, students may blurt out remarks at unnecessary times and laugh or cry at inappropriate times. Unsurprisingly, this leads to ADHD students often getting in trouble for misconduct.

   Many students with ADHD have trouble socializing with others. Sometimes, ADHD students are vulnerable to bullying. Often, ADHD students are disliked by other kids, due to their needs. They also have problems making and keeping friends, due to the inability  to control their emotions. Thus, many students without ADHD or similar conditions may avoid students with ADHD and dislike them. At certain times, some students may even tease or antagonise them.

   While these students seem to be in need of positive behavior and support from their peers, they often seem to be outcasted and bullied. There are numerous cases of students with ADHD who have been beaten up or seriously injured by bullies and other hostile people. They can not only be physically hurt, but emotionally and mentally hurt as well, stemming from social media, such as texting, video games, and social networks. Even worse, students with ADHD are vulnerable to becoming bullies themselves, due to the fact that they have trouble making friends.

   While having ADHD may seem hopeless to someone who doesn’t have this disorder, the reality of the matter is that it can be controlled. And, it can not only be controlled, but individuals with this disorder are regular people who have a heart and feelings just like a “normal” individual.  Individuals with ADHD need what every “normal” human being needs: support and love from their family and friends. Having that, anyone with ADHD can overcome their challenges.