by Karen Moore

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Much like other diseases, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has to cause problems with school, home or work to be diagnosed as ADD. The general inability to focus, having impulsive behaviors and not being able to sit still are some of the more common symptoms, but they can also be associated with child development, behavioral problems or boredom. If these signs persist, with diagnosis guidelines showing for more than six (6) months, then ADD may be the cause.

Attention deficit disorder is a disruption of chemicals in the brain that allow the person to organize thought. This imbalance in the brain leads to impulsive behaviors that are often disruptive to those around them. These symptoms often first draw concern in school or day care settings. ADD information and support has grown dramatically in the past 25 years, but little is known about the actual cause of the imbalance in the brain. Many causes are speculated and research has been inconclusive. There have been studies conducted that show a higher chance of a child showing signs of ADD if they have a relative that has been diagnosed. More research is needed to confirm a genetic disposition rather than an environmental cause.

The signs and symptoms of ADD are related to disorganized thought and impulsive behavior. An inability to sit still, an inability to complete a list of tasks, forgetfulness, unable to recall details related to assignments or tasks, losing belongings especially homework, struggles to stay on task or to plan for future needs and becomes distracted very easily. These behaviors often lead to impatience when speaking or in situations that require quiet and patience, interruptions caused by either movement or verbal behaviors and trouble playing with others.

Combine these identifiers of ADD with a setting involving other children and the problems will be draw to light quicker. Parents may be called to the location when their child acts out in these settings. Picking on smaller children, doodling instead of completing assignments, continual talking that disrupts lectures or other students working, and losing school property or homework assignments may be some of the teacher's complaints. Grades will not reflect what the child may be capable of as well.

Treating ADD takes a network approach with the parents, the doctor, the school and the teachers all involved in working with the child. While some medications seem to help the child stay on task, there are side effects that need to be considered. Continual reinforcement from the parent regarding those day to day behaviors, such as brushing their teeth every morning, need to be instilled and reminded. A written chart for behavior modification may assist, if the child can focus on the chart to read it. Teachers who are empathetic for the ADD child are necessary as well to assist in reinforcing positive behaviors. Communication between the parents and the school and parents and the doctor (and counselors) is paramount to helping those diagnosed with ADD.

ADD can follow a child, and most likely will, into adulthood. Support and understanding of the disorder has grown faster than understanding the cause of it. Parents, as well as children and adults with ADD, should arm themselves with knowledge surrounding the disorder so they can live a more productive life.

Resources: http://www.add.org/help/faqs.html.
http://familydocto r.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/behavior /118.printerview.html.
http://www.attention-deficit-d isorders.net/articles.html.

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