ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Childhood trauma often mimic each other. Many students diagnosed with ADHD are in regular classrooms. However, many are misdiagnosed. About two-thirds of these students have a different disorder. They possibly have childhood traumatic stress. This stress has symptoms much like ADHD. It is a psychological reaction to a variety of events that happens to them or around them. Actually, students may not have first-hand experience with a traumatic event in order to have the disorder.  They may simply witness abuse, neglect, divorce, homelessness, or violence.

Trama or ADHD Symptoms

As these symptoms are similar, a true diagnosis becomes impossible. Symptoms may include, concentration problems, distraction, short attention span, does not appear to listen, unorganized, restless, and sleeplessness. It is even possible that some children diagnosed with ADHD had traumatic stress in their life. Evidence indicates trauma causes learning and behavior problems. Also, students have difficulty bonding with their teachers. They are wary of most adults. In addition, they may have trouble with future relationships. Furthermore, traumatized students display negative feelings about themselves. They may also have a fear of making mistakes. Hence, their stressed brains do not learn the same as students that feel safe.

What To Do

Teachers, counselors, professionals, and social workers must first inquire about what happened in the life of a child. Together, they must teach a traumatized student to cope with their fears. In addition, they must teach how to defuse or at least reduce the fear and anxiety the child feels.  Professionals must not use harsh discipline but, attempt to improve trust and communication to decrease any disruptive behavior.  A student that has severe trauma, outside help must be sought.

Since there are many levels of traumatic brain injury, there are many types of assistive technology to use with students. Also, there are outside organizations to contact help. However, the symptoms between ADHD and Traumatic Brain Injury are too similar. Parents and teachers must look closely into the behavior of each child to provide the correct diagnosis to ensure learning.