Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects thousands of children across the United States.  For the past several years there has been an ongoing argument as to the mechanism that this disorder affects the brain. 

Some have argued that the brain develops differently in children with ADHD than in other children.  Others have taken the stance that the brain develops in the same way, only slower.  A new study by the National Institute of Health suggests that the later is true.  This study was made possible through the use of a new technique that allows measurement of the thickening and thinning of the cortex of the brain through imaging. 

This study suggests that in the brain of an ADHD child develops more slowly.  All human brains develop from the back to the front.  Since the control center is located more toward the front of the brain, the delay in prevents its development by the time the child is in school.  The area will eventually develop however it may not happen until the child reaches 10.  These delays often make it difficult for children to catch up in the things they may have missed.  Often the ADHD child may not catch up in these areas until adulthood.