The health of the human brain is of utmost importance considering it is responsible for how we move, the ways in which we give and interpret information, our memories, our moods and behavior and so much more. It is also why when the brain is dealing with disorders that affect normal activities it can be a detriment to how someone functions. One of those disorders is ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is normally discovered in children who exhibit signs that they are unable to stay focused and control their impulses, and several other symptoms, according to the CDC.

ADHD affects about six million children between the ages of three and 17 years old, says the CDC, and educating children with ADHD comes with a different approach that requires some consideration to that.

To discuss the nature of ADHD, how it affects children and adults, and the ways it affects how children are taught, entrepreneur, CEO, author and speaker, Dr. Daniel Amen, spoke to Dustin Odham about the realities of ADHD on the newest episode of “Change Starts Here.”

Odham and Amen further talked about …

1. Defining ADHD and how it affects the brain

2. The primary symptoms of ADHD and how its identified

3. How ADHD can impact someone’s life if the disorder is left untreated

Citing a Harvard study which found that when the disorder was overlooked in people they had higher instances of substance abuse, Dr. Amen said that untreated ADHD has very negative effects.

“When left untreated it has serious consequences,” he said. “Fifty-two percent of people with untreated ADD abuse substances, there’s a higher incidence of divorce, bankruptcy, incarceration, job loss, school failure, and that’s just not okay … it can devastate people's lives,” said Dr. Amen.

Dr. Daniel Amen is an entrepreneur, CEO, best-selling author and speaker. He is the founder of Amen Clinics and is a nationally well-known physician and psychiatrist. He’s treated over 20,000 people with ADHD throughout his career and is a graduate of Oral Roberts University.