Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder
             Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a diagnosis, which has increased dramatically over the last few years. This issue has both a medical and emotional side to it making discussion of the topic sometimes difficult. There are many children who seem to be uncontrollable both at home and in the classroom. This has teachers and parents clamoring to have these children placed on medication. There are many doctors who feel that this disorder is over diagnosed. They feel that children are being placed needlessly on mind-altering medication.
             There are many things that may mimic AD/HD. One of the most common is learning disabilities. This is one of the most important things to rule out when considering AD/HD. If a child has difficulty learning he is going to become bored, and is not going to be attentive or cooperative. However, having a learning disability does not mean that the child wouldn't also have AD/HD. "It is estimated that up to 40 percent of children with AD/HD also have some other learning disability"(Lerner 2). Formal testing for learning disabilities is crucial to make sure it is not playing at least some role if not the entire role in the child's apparent impassivity and inattention . Another thing that may mimic the symptoms of AD/HD is hearing or visual impairment. Anything that is hampering the child's ability to learn is going to result in decreased attention in the classroom. Significant hearing impairment may, unfortunately go unnoticed for years. Therefore, the usual hearing screen performed in the preschool years should be done. Vision problems also can go unnoticed so a vision screen should be done at the doctor's office or at school.
             In 1917 and 1928 it was believed that brain damage was the cause of AD/HD. Terms like "Minimal Brain Damage" were used to describe children displaying a pattern of hype...