I've been an educator for almost 30 years.  Today I have the wonderful opportunity to conduct seminars to educators and parents.  By far, the hottest topic of conversation is about the increase in ADHD.  So many questions come up, and people have very strong opinions about it. 

Here's what I know...

• Children ARE different today compared to the kiddos I taught 25 years ago.
• Technology is playing a role in the increased diagnosis.  I'm NOT saying it is the cause, but trying to say that it isn't a factor is simply not true.
• Nutrition is also relevant!  I know...some in the medical community do not necessarily feel that this is proven, but if we wait to get the "official" stamp of approval from them, we'll be handing out Ritalin as the kids walk through the doors at school. 
• Our teachers are faced with more challenges in the classroom than ever before: larger classes, rigid curriculum, increasing numbers of struggling kids, and state testing that does not match the population of kids and their learning styles, etc.........

I could go on and on, and I will at a later time.

I'll leave you with this thought.  It is 2015.  New research numbers should be published soon. Previous years, we've seen the numbers of children with ADHD and on medication increase at an alarming rate.  I expect that the numbers will be even more significant.

"Health care providers who care for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and public health practitioners should be aware that an estimated two million more US children were reported by their parents to be diagnosed by a health care provider with ADHD and a million more were reported to be taking medication for ADHD in 2011, compared to 2003. These health professionals should also be aware of the changing patterns of ADHD in the United States."
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/key-findings-adhd72013.html

What do you think is going on?  What should be do about it?