Why there is an increase in ADHD diagnoses

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Lots of kids are getting diagnosed today with Adhd and Autism and other disorders that we used to think weren't that common. I often get questions like, "What does this mean?" Well, it means a couple of things. First of all, our diagnostic procedures are better and we are better able to give help to kids who do have difficulties, but another thing that is happening today is that there is some kind of genetic trigger that is going on. The genes for both Adhd and Autism and other disorders, such as dyslexia, be present. But whether or not those genes actually act out their roles, depends on the environment that the child has. So if we see any great increase in any particular disorder, it probably means that there's something that is going on in today's world, that is triggering those kinds of responses on the part of the child. Scientists are very busy looking for these triggers. Some of the things that have been suggested are: Industrial pollution, kids the live very close to a freeway, their brains might be assaulted early on by pollutants that can change the way the brain actually develops. We need to keep lots of research going on this so that we can discover if there is something going on in today's world. It is very important that we all keep our ears open and support the kind of research and discover what is going on with so many of these children today.

Video Categories: ELEMENTARY, Elementary Education, Learning Difficulties, SPECIAL NEEDS, Special Needs Support, Getting a Special Needs Diagnosis, Learning Disabilities

The recent increase in ADHD and autism diagnoses today poses a fascinating questions for educational psychologists like Jane M. Healy, PhD. Watch this video for more information about what factors can impact the increasing in diagnoses of ADHD and autism.

Transcript

Expert Bio

Jane M. Healy, PhD

Educational Psychologist

Jane Healy is a teacher and educational psychologist who has worked with all ages from pre-school to graduate school. Her major research interest has been in finding practical applications of current brain research for teachers and parents. A graduate of Smith College, she holds a MA from John Carroll University, a PhD from Case Western Reserve University, and post-doctoral work in developmental neuropsychology. She has served on the faculty of Cleveland State University. Her many years of experience include: parent, classroom teacher, reading/learning specialist, elementary administrator, and clinician. She is recognized internationally as an author, lecturer, and consultant. She has received international media coverage, including Nightline, Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN and NPR, for her ideas about the impact of technology, media and culture on children's brain development and learning.

Although Jane has received many honors, including being twice named the "Educator of the Year" by Delta Kappa Gamma, she claims that she and her husband have learned most of what they know from the process of raising three sons (and now their six grandchildren).

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