Problems with attention, impulse control, and activity level exhibited by children are among the most frequent behavior difficulties in classroom settings. In fact, approximately 3% to 5% of elementary school–aged children in the United States are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a diagnostic classification used to describe individuals who exhibit developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention or impulsivity and overactivity.

Children with ADHD are at higher than average risk for a variety of behavioral difficulties, including defiance toward authority figures; poor relationships with peers; and antisocial acts, such as lying, stealing, and fighting. Also, students with ADHD frequently struggle scholastically and experience significantly higher rates of grade retention, placement in special education classrooms, and school dropout relative to their peers, as well as significantly lower ...