ADHD Cases Among Latino Children On The Rise; 5 Signs to Watch Out For

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Cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Latino children have increased by 83 percent since 2003, according to a new study.

The study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that Latino children ages 5 to 17, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, have increased by more than 7 percent between 2003 and 2011. The researchers included factors including age, gender, neighborhood society and race, and found that the sharp increase in the Hispanic demographic was the highest in any ethnic or racial group.

According to the report by Fox News Latino, the increase in cases could be due to better awareness and access to Spanish translated health websites like the National Survey of Children's Health.

"There could be greater knowledge of the signs of ADHD in the school system and among parents, leading to more parents having their children assessed," said Sean Cleary, associate professor at the School of Public Health at George Washington University.

In the survey of more than 190,000 children, girls with ADHD have increased by 55 percent compared to boys at only 40 percent. The outlet added that better access to identifying the symptoms lead to better understanding of the condition and less stereotyping of it as a condition that only boys get.

"The signs and symptoms that are in girls are different. They are internalizing, more than externalizing ... more withdrawn, less [the] verbal aggression seen in a boy, which may be loud, shouting and physical," said Clearly.

ADHD is a common childhood behavioral disorder. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, it can continue through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD affects 9 percent of American children ages 13 to 18 years old and affects more than 4 percent of adults. The disorder is complex and can get in the way of a child's life as it can affect they way they behave in school, their peers and their families.

It is important to know that proper ADHD diagnosis can only be done by a qualified doctor. If your child or someone you know exhibits some of the symptoms below, please talk with your health provider.

Here are 5 common signs of ADHD in children:

1.) Fierce temper tantrums

According to Healthline, children with ADHD have difficulty regulating their emotions. Some children may be too happy during times of elation, but they may also have supreme or an excessive amount of anger during tantrums.

2.) Flighty and fidgety

While it is normal for children to fidget around, children with ADHD can't do so very well even when they are forced to be someplace or sit still.

3.) Can't pay attention

The website added that ADHD children have trouble focusing so they can't remember what was spoken to them even if they heard it the first time it was spoken.

4.) Me-centric

Children with ADHD may have trouble recognizing other people's needs and desires, according to Healthline. They may have issues of cutting off other children during playtime or interrupting people during activities.

5.) Can't finish tasks normally

Because of the lack of focus in ADHD children, some children may not be able to finish projects or tasks normally. They may start chores or homework but can't finish it because they are interested in another activity even before they finished it.