One of the most common childhood conditions that can persist through adolescence and adulthood is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health's website describes the disorder as "difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity)."

Over the years, ADHD can be treated with pharmaceuticals and behavioral modifications by a specialist. The disorder's diagnosis, however, is still regarded as unclear or at times, defined in black and white. The New York Times wrote that this vague diagnosis could be a disservice to many children who has ADHD.

Children with ADHD symptoms often prefer impulsivity and inattention, and also face issues of executive function, The New York Times noted. With better executive function, children and adults are able to make more sound judgments and considered choices, which can significantly, affected a person's life and relationships.

A study also found that a healthy executive function early in life is linked to lesser rates of substance abuse, divorce, and incarceration.

Dr. Sonia Krishna of the Texas-based Seton Healthcare said that some children are misdiagnosed with ADHD, while some who need help aren't being diagnosed by specialists at all, according to a report from KXAN. Currently, doctors will declare that a child has ADHD if they meet six out of nine criteria. Krishna argued that this type of template is not the best and recommendable way to properly issue diagnostics.

"That's one of the troubles with psychiatry in general but with ADHD it's a bit subjective in that you do have to meet this arbitrary number," Krishna said, as quoted by KXAN. "Now there is a new idea about thinking about it more on a spectrum."

The assessments to determine ADHD is usually completed by a parent and teacher, which makes the process all the more subjective. For example, they must decide whether a child "often" or "very often" has "difficulty organizing tasks and activities," The New York Times wrote.

If the answers fall in ADHD's range, the child is then prescribed with medication and therapy, along with a qualification for certain disability accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the news outlet added.

The circumstances, however, are different for those who feal below the cutoff and are declared free of the disorder. These children who do not qualify in the spectrum are not given extra time on standardized testing. Some might think that these children would be better off if they scored 1-2 points worse in their evaluations so they could get benefits as well.

It seems like it's better to dismiss ADHD as a clinical disease, and start looking for the best paths to help children improve their ability to focus. After all, better executive function that would start in early environments would undoubtedly present benefits later on in life.