State Rep. Jamie Thompson on Wednesday introduced a House resolution bringing awareness to a condition that impacts people and families throughout the state and the country.

Thompson’s HR 157 declares Oct. 22-28 as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Week in Michigan.

At least four million children – roughly five percent of the pediatric population – and at least nine million adults in the United States have ADHD, which is a result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can result in frequent inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. ADHD has been recognized as a legitimate neurological disorder by the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the United States Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 

“Every day, families go into meetings at school or daycare and are told their child struggles to pay attention or struggles with impulse control and that there may be a problem,” said Thompson, of Brownstown. “Children and families are dealing with the impacts from this disorder every day, and while it can be treated with medication and behavior therapy, it is not curable. Children have this adversity as they grow and develop, and parents raise their children with these obstacles at the forefront. 

“It’s important for our elected leaders and our education system to recognize and respond. We owe it to these children and families to do more in the state of Michigan to help them, and I am hoping we can bring awareness to this pressing issue.”

The resolution was overwhelmingly adopted following comments from Thompson on the measure on the House floor.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson speaks on House Resolution 157 before the Michigan House on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The resolution declares Oct. 22-28 as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Week in Michigan.