One in five children experiences a diagnosable mental disorder. However, adolescents have been overlooked in programming and policy responses to mental health issues. Mental health issues contribute to poor academic performance, lower rates of high school graduation, disrupted development, increased health risk, role transition from adolescent to…

This article offers a conversation with Dr. Jane Piirto, author, and professor at Ashland University, where she teaches in the Department of Inclusive Services & Exceptional Learners and the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies. Here she discusses what she is currently working on, how the five dimensions of overexcitability relate to ADHD,…

In this commentary, Martin Holtmann, discusses Doehnert and colleagues' article in this issue (Doehnert et al., 2013). Holtmann comments that the article illustrates the value of longitudinal electrophysiological and experimental approaches to disentangle different pathways underlying the phenotype of ADHD, and points out that their…

The studies included in this special issue add significantly to the nascent literature on teacher consultation models for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and provide wonderful illustrations of how teachers might "unpack" and better understand their interventions. In this introductory essay, the authors offer suggestions for future…

Behavioral interventions have demonstrated clinical utility in improving the behavior of children with ADHD, especially in specialized therapeutic milieus (Pelham et al., 2000). Improvements in children's target behaviors often occur in the treatment settings where contingencies are in place and delivered consistently. However, generalization of…

John Werry completed training in child and adolescent psychiatry at McGill University in Montreal, and has been a world renowned leader in children's mental health. Drawing on a half century of work in Canada, the United States, and his native New Zealand, he shares his reflections and vision for the future in the interview given for this…

Since Piaget, the view that motor and cognitive development are interrelated has gained wide acceptance. However, empirical research on this issue is still rare. Few studies show a correlation of performance in cognitive and motor tasks in typically developing children. More specifically, Diamond A. (2000) hypothesizes an involvement of executive…

The emphasis or focus of a professional association often shifts imperceptibly over time in ways that neither its membership nor its leadership seems able to recognize until pivotal events compel it to do so. The historical shift from psychodynamic to behavioral approaches in special education for children with emotional or behavioral disorders…

The nature of behavioral deficiencies in children with Attention Deficit Disorders are briefly described. The use of group parent training is recommended as the most cost-effective method for helping parents. Steps involved in implementing such a program and a case example are provided. (Author/DB)

There are many different reasons why children have problems paying attention. One child might be visually oversensitive and thereby distracted by bright sunlight coming in through a window or by too much color on a bulletin board. Another child, who is oversensitive to smells, might be distracted by the teacher's perfume or by the odor coming from…

Most neural models for the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have centered on the prefrontal cortex and its interconnections with the striatum and other subcortical structures. However, research only partially supports these models, and they do not correspond with the development of the prefrontal cortex and its…

The terms ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are applied to several symptoms, including: difficulty in paying attention, distractibility, having a hard time following through on things, and sometimes over-activity and impulsivity. There are many different reasons why children have these symptoms.…

Describes one youth's account of her experiences with depression and recounts her earliest feelings of being an outsider. Remembers what it was like to be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and to take Ritalin. Her experiences with self-mutilation in middle school eventually led to hospitalization and electroconvulsive…

First identifies salient features of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and then offers a model for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of students with ADHD. The model assumes cooperation of parent, teacher, and physician, and data-based decisions concerning use and ongoing monitoring of stimulant medication or other…

Describes the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised and discusses its use in diagnosing learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and adults. It addresses ethical and legal issues, the schism of standardized testing vs. modifications, assessment alternatives, and practitioner guidelines. (DB)