Happy Halloween from Unicorn Children's Foundation

Hope you all have a boo-tiful day!

Wine, Women & Wealth TONIGHT!

We can't wait to see everyone tonight!

Have you picked up your copy of Prince Not So Charming?

Meet the Amazon Best-Selling author, Kathleen Grace, tomorrow at Lord & Taylor at 6pm for Wine, Women & Wealth!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/www/

Save Big on Holiday Gifts!

Donate $5 and save big on your holiday gifts! It's never too early to start shopping and never too late to make a difference.

Www.lordandtaylor.com/dogoodbocaraton

Spotting Autism at 18 Months

We’re learning more about autism every year – how families can flourish when a child has autism; how important screening can be early in the life of a child who may be at risk; or the ways in which early interventions before age 5 are helpful.

 

We are also learning, as a society, how to actively surround and support autism in the simple things of every day life – in school, in work pursuits, in our families, in our circles of friends.

 

A good example of just how far we are able to imagine autism working in all aspects of society is a highly innovative new play that just opened on Broadway to rave reviews – including a five-star New York Times review that called it “one of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway.”

 

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” based on the 2003 best-selling book by Mark Haddon, is lit up by checkered, flashing lights and squares on the stage. It’s presented through the eyes of a highly functioning autistic child who is gifted in math, but struggles with daily interactions with friends and family.

 The play, like the book, is mesmerizing for the audience. By the end, it’s nearly impossible not to be drawn deeply into a completely different reality as seen through the mind of an autistic child – a feat that isn’t easy to imagine or pull off, but is well worth the journey.

 

Now, a comprehensive new study by Yale researchers adds to this growing body of knowledge. It found that signs of autism can be seen as early as 18 months in children who have older siblings who are autistic – an important finding considering that about 20 percent of children who have older siblings with autism also develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“While the majority of siblings of children with ASD will not develop the condition themselves, for those who do, one of the key priorities is finding more effective ways of identifying and treating them as early as possible,” said Katarzyna Chawarska, an associate professor at the Child Study Center at Yale’s School of Medicine.

 

The large-scale study was designed to identify specific social and communicative behaviors that distinguish infants with autism as early as 18 months of age.

 

The Yale researchers combined data from eight clinical sites participating in the Autism Speaks Baby Siblings Research Consortium, and then looked carefully at social, communicative and repetitive behaviors in 719 infants when they were 18 months old.

 

For the study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers looked for patterns that might predict a later diagnosis of autism. They then followed up when the study participants at the eight sites were age 3.

 

The research team found about half of the siblings who were later diagnosed with autism displayed signs that were suggestive of the disorder at 18 months; while symptoms for those later diagnosed with autism showed signs between the ages of 18 months and 36 months.

The ability to see signs of autism in siblings as early as 18 months allows for early intervention, which is why the study is important.

 

“Our study reinforces the need for repeated diagnostic screening in the first three years of life to identify individual cases of ASD as soon as behavioral symptoms are apparent,” said Chawarska.

 

For about half of the siblings studied, a combination of poor eye contact and lack of communicative gestures or imaginative play was most strongly associated with a later diagnosis of autism, the team found.

 

In a small percentage of those later diagnosed with ASD, eye contact was relatively normal - but they began to display early signs of repetitive behaviors and had limited non-verbal communication skills.

 

“So not only do the behavioral symptoms appear at different ages, but different combinations of early symptoms may predict the diagnostic outcome (of autism),” Chawarska said.

 

One of the real advantages of such an early diagnosis is that personalized treatment can be developed for a child – precisely at the age where significant development is occurring, which in turn allows the child to develop meaningful ways to cope with autism.

 

Broadway plays and media attention around autism helps public understanding of the disorder. Meanwhile, advances in the scientific understanding of the signs of autism in early childhood (like this Yale study) help parents and clinicians intervene at critical times.

Via: http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/at-the-edge/2014/10/24/spotting-autism-at-18-months

Last Chance to RSVP for Wine, Women & Wealth!

Hey ladies!

Today is the last day to RSVP to Wine, Women & Wealth at Lord & Taylor. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn how to increase your wealth from Certified Financial Planner TM (CFP®) professional and Amazon Best-Selling author of "Prince Not So Charming,” Kathleen Grace.

RSVP by calling 561-620-9377 x 302 or email pam@eunicorn.org

The New Way to Study with ADHD

The weekend is upon us, and it can be a good time to start implementing some of these useful techniques for students with ADHD.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For students with ADHD, studying for a test can be daunting. Luckily, there’s new research that shows that students might not need to spend more time studying, but need to study differently. James and John, identical twins with ADHD, are taking the same biology class. They study for the same amount of time, yet James gets an A on the exam and John gets a C+. Why the difference?

Which Study Technique Works Best?

John studied diligently for three hours on Thursday night, the day before the test. He reread his notes and the textbook, and reviewed the study guide. He studied in his room. James studied for three hours, but did it over four evenings, Monday through Thursday. He used his notes, an old quiz, and the study guide to create a practice test. He studied in different locations, including Starbucks and the library.

Eighty-four percent of students study by rereading the textbook, as John did. The problem is that rereading is the most ineffective way of studying for an exam. Reading is a challenging way for the ADHD brain to learn information. Reading is passive. It’s like learning to play basketball by watching your coach play.

Research shows that the number-one way to study is to make a practice test. Try to predict what your teacher may ask on the exam. Look over your study guide, pull out old quizzes, find important parts of your notes, and ask others in your class what they think is important. Then, create a practice exam.

Cramming Doesn’t Work

What else did James do right? He used a concept educators call “distributed practice.” In other words, he didn’t cram. He studied for three hours over four days, 45 minutes per night. This works for two reasons. The first is that James reviewed the material several times, gaining familiarity with it. Second, and most important, he slept on it. Sleep helps you learn. Your brain is more active at night than during the day. During sleep, you replay the day’s events in your head and you rehash the information you learned. In James’s case, he rehashed the biology material through sleep four times.

John worked hard to study for his exam, and skipped soccer practice on Thursday evening to put in extra time. He stayed in his room without a break. But although John tried to make himself focus, the things in his room (laptop, phone, music) got him off task. John could not regulate his attention while cramming for the test.

James, on the other hand, knew that when boredom set in, he needed shorter work periods or a different place to study. He found, through trial and error, that he was more focused when he studied at locations other than his own house. In other words, James had the concept of metacognition — knowing when and how to use particular strategies for learning — down pat. He knew what helped him to focus and what hindered him. In the end, it wasn’t more time that John needed; he needed to use his time differently.

Here are some other research-based tips that can make a difference for your child with ADHD.

Review Before Bed

Studies show that you remember more when you take 10 to 15 minutes just before you go to sleep to review what you studied or learned earlier in the day. This doesn’t mean that students should do all their studying at bedtime, but reviewing what he has studied allows a a child to process the information as he sleeps.

Exercise Sharpens Focus

Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise a day, four to five days a week, improves focus and executive functioning skills, especially in students with ADHD. If you have a student athlete, encourage him or her to study on the bus or in the car as he travels home from an event. Consider studying right after practice, too. If your child doesn’t play a sport, encourage him to run with your dog or shoot some hoops just before he sits down to do schoolwork. Although any aerobic exercise will do the job, the most helpful exercises for students with ADHD are ballet, yoga, and tai chi, all of which require students to focus on their body and their mind.

Use Your Nose

Smell is a powerful study tool. Research shows that if you are exposed to the same smell when you study and sleep, you may remember more. When your child studies, put a small dish of essential oil nearby; peppermint is a good choice because it relieves stress. Place a small dish of the same scent by her bed while she sleeps. Studies suggest that her brain will associate the scent with the material she studied earlier. This, researchers say, may help her retain more of the information she is trying to remember.

Napping, Breaks, and Memory

Most people need to sleep eight to nine hours a night to retain memories, but teenagers need more. Thirty-minute afternoon naps can help. Be sure these siestas aren’t longer than 30 minutes, since extended naps can interfere with sleep at night.

Taking a break helps all kids learn more, especially those with ADHD. Studies show that students remember more when they take breaks between study sessions instead of studying straight through for an extended period. Having downtime enables a student’s brain to review information and material, even when he doesn’t know he’s processing it.

Sip a Sugary Drink

A drink that contains some sugar helps homework performance. Sugary drinks provide glucose, which is the primary source of fuel to the brain. If you’re low on glucose, you won’t be able to focus or perform well.

Gatorade or apple juice delivers glucose, without overloading a child’s system with sugar. Sodas and other drinks with high levels of sugar (up to 10 teaspoons) provide too much glucose, which results in a sugar crash later, impairing memory and clouding thinking. So ask your child to sip (not gulp) a sugary drink. It can bring improved focus and mood.

In the end, encouraging students who struggle with attention to implement a few of these easy-to-use ideas can make a big difference in your child’s performance at school.

Via: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/10602.html

Cocktails with a Twist!

Join Unicorn Children's Foundation for a fun-filled cocktail party with a twist!

Don't you want to know how to increase your wealth? Kathleen Grace's book "Prince Not So Charming" is a great story that will keep you reading. Plus, what would a cocktail party be without wine & fashion? Space is limited, so RSVP ASAP! A special thank you to Caerus Ventures for underwriting this fabulous event.

RSVP:
561-620-9377 x 302
pam@eunicorn.org

Click here for more information

20 Things to Remember If You Love a Person with ADD

It’s a fact; a person with ADD is hard to love. You never know what to say. It’s like walking through a minefield. You tiptoe around; unsure which step (or word) will be the one that sets off an explosion of emotion. It’s something you try to avoid.

People who have ADD/ADHD are suffering. Life is more difficult for them than the average person. Everything is intense and magnified. Their brilliant minds are constantly in gear creating, designing, thinking and never resting. Imagine what it would feel like to have a merry-go-round in your mind that never stops spinning.

From emotional outbursts to polar opposite extremes; ADD presents several behaviors that can be harmful to relationships. ADD is a mysterious condition of opposites and extremes. For instance, when it comes to concentration, people with ADD cannot concentrate when they are emotional or when their thoughts are distracted. However, when they are interested in a specific topic, they zone in so deep that it’s hard to pull them out of that zone. Starting a project is a challenge; but stopping it is an even bigger challenge.

True love is unconditional, but ADD presents situations that test your limits of love. Whether it’s your child, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or soon-to-be spouse, ADD tests every relationship. The best way to bring peace into both your lives is to learn a new mindset to deal with the emotional roller-coaster that ADD brings all-day-every-day.

Understanding what a person with ADD feels like will help you become more patient, tolerant, compassionate, and loving. Your relationships will become more enjoyable and peaceful. This is what goes on in the mind of a person with ADD/ADHD:

1. They have an active mind

The ADD brain doesn’t stop. There’s no on/off switch. There are no brakes that bring it to a halt. It is a burden that one must learn to manage.

2. They listen but don’t absorb what is being said

A person with ADD will look at you, hear your words, watch your lips move, but after the first five words their mind is on a journey. They can still hear you speak, but their thoughts are in outer space. They are thinking about how your lips are moving or how your hair is out of place.

3. They have difficulty staying on task

Instead of keeping the focus on what’s in front of them, people with ADD are staring at the colors in the painting on the wall. Like walking through a labyrinth, they start moving in one direction, but keep changing directions to find the way out.

4. They become anxious easily

As deep thinkers, they are sensitive to whatever is going on around them. Being in a noisy restaurant can sound like you are standing in the front row at a Metallica concert. A depressing news snippet can set them into end-of-the-world mode.

Want to do something to greatly improve your life? When You Start To Do These 20 Things Today, Your Life Will Be Greatly Improved

5. They can’t concentrate when they are emotional

If there is something worrisome going on, or if they are upset, a person with ADD cannot think of anything else. This makes concentration on work, conversation, and social situations almost impossible.

6. They concentrate too intensely

When the doors of their mind open, the person with ADD dives in like a scuba diver jumping into the deep ocean.

7. They have difficulty stopping a task when they are in the zone

And under the deep ocean is where they stay for hours. Even when their oxygen is running low, if they are enjoying the view, they won’t come up for air until they’re almost out of oxygen.

8. They are unable to regulate their emotions

For a person with ADD, their emotions are flying wild, out of proportion and cannot be contained. The tangled wires in their brilliant brains make thought and feelings difficult to process. They need extra time to get their systems up and running properly.

9. They have verbal outbursts

Their intense emotions are hard to regulate. Since they impulsively say whatever they think, they often say things they later regret. It’s almost impossible for them to edit their words before they release them.

10. They have social anxiety

Feeling uncomfortable knowing that they are different, people with ADD are often uncomfortable in social situations. They are afraid they will say something foolish or react inappropriately. Holding back feels safer.

11. They are deeply intuitive

For people with ADD, the surface is an invisible exterior that they penetrate. They see beyond it. This is the most enjoyable aspect of ADD. This inspirational trait is what makes creative geniuses. Inventors, artists, musicians, and writers thrive in this zone.

12. They think out of the box

Another wonderful aspect of ADD is that because they think differently, their abstract minds see solutions to problems that the concrete thinker cannot see.

13. They are impatient and fidgety

Annoyed easily, wanting things to happen immediately, and constantly playing with their phones, twirling their hair, or bouncing their leg up and down; a person with ADD needs constant motion. It’s a calming Zen activity for them.

14. They are physically sensitive

Pencils feel heavy in their hand. Fibers in fabric that most people wouldn’t feel can be itchy. Beds are bumpy. Food has textures you can’t imagine. Like The Princess and the Pea, they can feel a pea under twenty mattresses.

15. They are disorganized

Piles are their favorite method of organizing. Once a task is complete, papers related to it are placed in a pile, where they stay until the piles grow too high. That’s when the person with ADD becomes overwhelmed, frustrated, and cleans up. People with ADD have to be careful to not become hoarders. It’s hard for a person with ADD to keep things in order because their brain doesn’t function in an orderly manner.

16. They need space to pace

When talking on the phone or having a conversation, people with ADD think better when they are in motion. Movement is calming and brings clarity to their thoughts.

You maybe interested in this too: 25 Things You Must Know by the Time You Turn 30

17. They avoid tasks

Making decisions or completing tasks on time is a struggle. Not because they are lazy or irresponsible, but because their minds are full of options and possibilities. Choosing one can be problematic. It’s easy to avoid making decisions because they are over-thinkers. They obsess and dwell in the depths of their own minds.

18. They can’t remember simple tasks

Another paradoxical trait of ADD is memory. People with ADD can’t remember to pick up their clothes at the cleaners, milk at the grocery store, or appointments. On the other hand; they remember every comment, quote, and phone number they heard during the day. No matter how many post-its or calendar reminders they set; their distracted mind is always elsewhere. Visible items are easier to remember. That’s why they have fifteen windows open on their desktop.

19. They have many tasks going on at the same time

Due to the constant activity in their mind, once a task is finished, they are ready to move on to the next task without closing up the prior task. The more going on at once, the better. Multi-tasking is one of their favorite activites.

20. They are passionate about everything they do

The emotions, thoughts, words, and touch of a person with ADD is powerful. Everything is magnified. This is a blessing when channeled properly. When a person with ADD does something, they do it with their heart and soul. They give it all they’ve got. They are intense, perceptive, and deep. This quality is what makes the person with ADD so lovable.

Basically, a person with ADD/ADHD has trouble controlling their impulses. They also have many awesome qualities that you will enjoy once you understand how they think and feel. Compassion, empathy and patience will carry you through the most difficult times. It’s important to take extra care of yourself; take alone time regularly, do what you enjoy, find a support group, a therapist or a compassionate wise friend, take frequent vacations, meditate, find hobbies and your own passion. Most of all, learn how to breathe.

Some of the greatest inventors, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and writers had ADD/ADHD. They succeeded because they had a loved one just like you supporting them through their daily struggles. Replace your anger with compassion. Realize how they struggle to do what comes easy to you. Think of the ADD brain, as one with electrical wiring in the wrong circuits. Next time you think that they are lazy, irresponsible, disorganized, and avoiding responsibilities; try to remember how hard they have to work extra hard to achieve a simple task.

Yes, ADD/ADHD people are hard to love, but once you understand the burden they are carrying, your heart will open up. Love and compassion will take the place of anger. You will see into their sweet and good soul.

Via: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/20-things-remember-you-love-person-with-add.html?dgs=1

Wine, Women & Wealth

Unicorn Children’s Foundation will host its first of two series on women and wealth. While women are making more of the financial decisions, it makes sense to highlight an expert on women and wealth. Guest speaker Kathleen Grace, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM (CFP®) professional and Amazon Best-Selling author of “Prince Not So Charming,” will share financial planning ideas for women of any age to improve their financial situation.

“Prince Not So Charming®” will encourage you to claim your power to create financial change. Cinderella’s story is one that many women can relate to, and a call to action for all women who seek to secure their financial futures and protect those they love.

What would an evening be without fashion? Lord & Taylor will offer a sneak peak of the hottest holiday fashions, while providing some in-store incentives.

Join us for a fun filled event on October 30th from 6-8pm at the Mizner Park Lord & Taylor. This event was graciously underwritten by United Capital, Caerus Ventures and Lord & Taylor.

More information on Kathleen Grace and her book can be found on princenotsocharming.com. For more information on the event or Unicorn Children’s Foundation, please call 561.620.9377 x 302 or email pam@eunicorn.org.

A Must Read!

Attend Wine, Women & Wealth on Thursday, October 30th at Lord & Taylor so you can learn how to take control of your personal finances!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/www/

Have you heard the Who's Who in Charity & The Arts?

It's Unicorn Children's Foundation, of course!

Check out our feature in Gold Coast's Fort Lauderdale Daily in their Guide to the 2014 - 2015 Season!

Kathleen Grace to be Guest Speaker at Wine, Women & Wealth

Unicorn Children's Foundation is so fortunate to have Best Selling Author of Prince Not So Charming, Kathleen Grace, CFP®, CIMA® as our Guest Speaker at Wine, Women & Wealth at Lord & Taylor on Thursday, October 30, 2014!

To RSVP, call 561-620-9377 x 302 or pam@eunicorn.org
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/www/

Kathleen Grace, CFP®, CIMA®, is principal and cofounder of Excelsior Capital Advisors, a division of United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC. For over 20 years, Kathleen has provided sophisticated financial and estate tax planning strategies to former Fortune 500 executives, affluent multigenerational families, entrepreneurs, and institutions by serving as her clients’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Kathleen earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Miami and her CFP® certification from the Wayne Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University. In addition, Kathleen was awarded the CIMA® designation from the Investment Management Consultants Association with education and curriculum through the Wharton School of Business. She is a Chicago native and currently resides in South Florida.

October 2014 Newsletter

Click above to read our October 2014 Newsletter

Shop for a Cause!

To make a $5 donation to Unicorn Children's Foundation and save BIG at Lord & Taylor on November 6th, visit http://www.lordandtaylor.com/dogoodbocaraton

Make sure to choose "Unicorn Children's Foundation" as your charity!

Join Us for Wine, Women and Wealth

Nine out of ten women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives. Prince Not So Charming is a call to action that will inspire and empower you to take control of your finances, regardless of the obstacles you face.

Join us at Lord & Taylor on October 30th to learn more from the author herself, Kathleen Grace, CFP®, CIMA®.

Thank You Gala Committee!

Great committee meeting this morning planning for Unicorn Children's Foundation's Emerald Ball on February 28th at Boca West Country Club with Gregory Fried of Gregory's Fine Jewelry, Ronda Gluck, Lori Cabrera, Neil Saffer, Cathy Moabery, Marie Occhigrossi, and Neil Birch at Flakowitz Bagel Inn!

Happy Boss' Day Sharon!

The staff of Unicorn Children's Foundation would like to wish a Happy Boss' Day to Sharon!! Thank you for all that you do. We love you!!

 Fred, Pam, Amy and Neil

We're Proud of Pam!

We are so proud of our Director of Development, Pam Calzadilla for speaking today at the National Philanthropy Day VIP Breakfast Reception at the Kravis Center! Pam is the chair of National Philanthropy Day, which will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Kravis Center.

http://www.afppbc.org/national-philanthropy-day

Become a Sponsor

Looking to promote your business in front of 200 guests representing a cross-section of South Florida’s community leaders, business professionals and philanthropists?

Become a sponsor of our 20th Anniversary Luncheon & Boutique at Mar-A-Lago on December 11, 2014!

For more information, please visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/

Unicorn Children's Foundation on the Shark Circle

Our Executive Director, Sharon Alexander, and our Director of Development, Pam Calzadilla, visited the Unicorn Children's Foundation plaque on the Shark Circle ($1,000,000 and up donors) at the Fellow's Society Induction Ceremony at Nova Southeastern University on Saturday, October 11, 2014.

Forget Black Friday!

Kick off the holiday season with an elegant afternoon at the exclusive Mar-a-Lago Club. Beat the crowds and participate in this sophisticated event where we will also offer our guests the opportunity to get their holiday shopping done with items from our exclusive vendors while supporting a worthy cause.

Secure your tickets, sponsorships and program ads online now!

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/

I Was Born a Unicorn

“I chose the UNICORN as the Foundation’s symbol because,
It is a beautiful, powerful, mystical, loving, yet lonely creature.
... Appearing in the Bible, as well as in Far Eastern religious literature,
THE UNICORN IS A SYMBOL OF PROFOUND GOOD LUCK.
... Its horn was believed to have contained the cure for all human illness. 
... This symbol inspires us to understand and overcome,
Communication and Learning Disorders.”

-Mark Rosenbloom, MD, Founder

6 Statistics About ADHD That You May Not Know

1. Approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011.

2. The percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011.

3. Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 and an average of approximately 5% per year from 2003 to 2011.

4. Boys (13.2%) were more likely than girls (5.6%) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

5. The average age of ADHD diagnosis was 7 years of age, but children reported by their parents as having more severe ADHD were diagnosed earlier.

6. Prevalence of ADHD diagnosis varied substantially by state, from a low of 5.6% in Nevada to a high of 18.7% in Kentucky.

Facts Via: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

Sponsorships Still Available!

Sponsorships are still available for our 20th Anniversary Luncheon & Boutique at the exclusive Mar-A-Lago on December 11, 2014.

For more information, please visithttp://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/luncheon/

5th Annual Teens' Transition to Life

Save the date!

Registration for the 5th Annual Teens' Transition to Life Summit is open.

Sign up at http://www.tinyurl.com/TTLSummit14

Vote Yes on November 4th

If you live in Broward County and have a child with special needs, there is a strong chance your child benefited from at least one of the many programs that are supported by Children's Services Council of Broward County Florida.

The Unicorn Children’s Foundation encourages you to vote “YES” to reauthorize the Children’s Services Council of Broward on November 4.

They are the largest funder of programs for children and families in Broward County and it would be an unspeakable detriment to the futures of our children if they are not reauthorized.

Celebrate Neurodiversity

How do YOU celebrate neurodiversity?

7 Facts You Need To Know About ADHD

1. ADHD is Real

   Nearly every mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States long ago concluded that Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a real, brain-based medical disorder. These organizations also concluded that children and adults with ADHD benefit from appropriate treatment. ^{[1,2,3,4,5,6,7]}
2. ADHD is a Common, Non-Discriminatory Disorder

   ADHD is a non-discriminatory disorder affecting people of every age, gender, IQ, religious and socio-economic background.
   In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the percentage of children in the United States who have ever been diagnosed with ADHD is now 9.5%. ^[8] Boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls.
   Among adults, the Harvard/NIMH National Comorbidity Survey Replication found 4.4% percent of adults, ages 18-44 in the United States, experience symptoms and some disability. ^[9]
   ADHD, AD/HD, and ADD all refer to the same disorder. The only difference is that some people have hyperactivity and some people don’t.
3. Diagnosing ADHD is a Complex Process

   In order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be considered, the person must exhibit a large number of symptoms, demonstrate significant problems with daily life in several major life areas (work, school, or friends), and have had the symptoms for a minimum of six months.
   To complicate the diagnostic process, many of the symptoms look like extreme forms of normal behavior. Additionally, a number of other conditions resemble ADHD. Therefore, other possible causes of the symptoms must be taken into consideration before reaching a diagnosis of ADHD.
   What makes ADHD different from other conditions is that the symptoms are excessive, pervasive, and persistent. That is, behaviors are more extreme, show up in multiple settings, and continue showing up throughout life.
   No single test will confirm that a person has ADHD. Instead, diagnosticians rely on a variety of tools, the most important of which is information about the person and his or her behavior and environment. If the person meets all of the criteria for ADHD ^[10,11], he or she will be diagnosed with the disorder.
4. Other Mental Health Conditions Often Occur Along With ADHD

   • Up to 30% of children and 25-40% of adults with ADHD have a co-existing anxiety disorder. ^[12]
   • Experts claim that up to 70% of those with ADHD will be treated for depression at some point in their lives. ^[13]
   • Sleep disorders affect people with ADHD two to three times as often as those without it. ^[14]
5. ADHD is Not Benign

   ADHD is not benign.^[15] Particularly when the ADHD is undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD contributes to:
   • Problems succeeding in school and successfully graduating. ^[16,17]
   • Problems at work, lost productivity, and reduced earning power.^{[18,19,20,21]}
   • Problems with relationships. ^[22,23]
   • More driving citations and accidents. ^{[24,25,26,27]}
   • Problems with overeating and obesity. ^{[28,29,30,31]}
   • Problems with the law. ^[32,33]
   According to Dr. Joseph Biederman, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, ADHD may be one of the costliest medical conditions in the United States: “Evaluating, diagnosing and treating this condition may not only improve the quality of life, but may save billions of dollars every year.” ^[34]
6. ADHD is Nobody’s FAULT

   ADHD is NOT caused by moral failure, poor parenting, family problems, poor teachers or schools, too much TV, food allergies, or excess sugar. Instead, research shows that ADHD is both highly genetic (with the majority of ADHD cases having a genetic component), and a brain-based disorder (with the symptoms of ADHD linked to many specific brain areas). ^[35]
   The factors that appear to increase a child’s likelihood of having the disorder include gender, family history, prenatal risks, environmental toxins, and physical differences in the brain. ^[36]
7. ADHD Treatment is Multi-Faceted

   Currently, available treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, education or training, and educational support. Usually a person with ADHD receives a combination of treatments. ^[37,38]

Facts Via: http://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/adhd-facts/