What is ADHD?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1999 identified ADHD and ADD as conditions that should be classed as Other Health Impaired for the first time.
One of the most frequent mental diseases affecting children is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many adults suffer from ADHD. Inattention (inability to maintain concentration), hyperactivity (excessive movement that is inappropriate for the situation), and impulsivity are all symptoms of ADHD
ADHD affects approximately 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults.
When disruption in the classroom or problems with homework occur, ADHD is frequently detected in school-aged children. It is more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Many ADHD symptoms, such as excessive movement, inability to sit still for long periods of time, and short attention spans, are typical in young children. The differences in children with ADHD is that their restlessness and inattention are significantly higher than normal for their age, causing distress and/or issues functioning at home, school, or with friends.
ADHD can be classified into three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or mixed. The symptoms that have occurred in the last six months are used to make a diagnosis.
What is Gifted?
A child’s giftedness is defined as a skill that is much greater than that of other children of the same age. Initially, the focus was on intellectual giftedness, but it has now expanded to embrace a wide range of abilities.
Gifted children’s minds develop ahead of their physical growth, and various cognitive and emotional processes are frequently at different stages of development.
Furthermore, giftedness is frequently distributed unequally across different intellectual fields. As a result, an individual may be gifted in mathematics but not in spelling or verbal talents.
In some situations, it may be beneficial for the child to join a gifted programme or school, where they will have ample opportunity for progress in a classroom setting that is attentive to their needs and stimulates them appropriately.
Every brilliant child may accomplish their full potential at school provided they have access to the correct resources and emotional and intellectual support.
A combination of ability and accomplishment tests, as well as observation and/or a study of the student’s portfolio of work, are frequently used to assess giftedness.
A child’s activities both inside and outside of school, as well as cognitive abilities, inventiveness, and affective and behavioural tendencies, may be taken into account.
Difference Between ADHD and Gifted
- ADHD is defined as hypersensitivity and hyperactivity, whereas talented children are mentally superior in a single domain.
- While ADHD is incurable, gifted children’s issues can be addressed.
- ADHD necessitates the services of a psychotherapist as well as a vigilant guardian, whereas brilliant children are supervised by specific teachers and schools.
- ADHD is a serious problem that can result in neurological damage, whereas gifted youngsters require particular attention but do not have a serious condition.
- Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, Dexamfetamine, and other medications are used to treat hyperactivity caused by ADHD. Whereas, Neurostimulants and sleeping pills are used in treating gifted child.
Comparison Between ADHD and Gifted
| Parameters of Comparison | ADHD | Gifted |
| Meaning | ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and it is one of the most common developmental illnesses in children. | Gifted students are students that have remarkable skills, abilities, or prospects that demand special adjustments to meet their academic needs. |
| Causes | 1.Blood relatives, such as a relative or family member, who suffer from ADHD or other mental health difficulties. 2.Toxin exposure from the environment, such as lead, which is found in older house paint and pipes. | 1.Misalignment of the genes. 2.Mental disease both inherited and contagious. |
| Symptoms | 1.Being really agitated. 2.Excessive breathing and movement. 3.Impulsivity is the ability to behave without thinking. | 1.They are shy and awkward and need a certain kind of company. 2.They have a high level of emotional sensitivity. |
| Recovery | While there is no cure for ADHD, those who suffer from it may benefit from mental health care. For many people, recovery entails continuing to treat their ADHD symptoms. | The disparities between a genius and a typical child are balanced by eventual psychotherapies and mingling with society. |
| Medicines | Lisdexamfetamine, Dexamfetamine, Methylphenidate | Relaxation aids include neurostimulants and sleeping medications. |