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Living with someone, especially a child, with attention deficit disorder is similar to what living with a tornado would be like. As a parent, especially a mother, it is difficult to constantly stay on top of the child who can not stay on one task and it is harder yet not to take the child's behavior as a personal testament to failing as a parent. This task can be done though. Knowledge is the first step when living with someone with attention deficit disorder.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is sometimes compounded with the additional label of hyperactivity disorder. The two are almost exclusively the same, with behaviors leaning toward the hyperactive side for the latter. When a child has been diagnosed with six (6) months or longer of behavior that consists of inability to stay focused, trouble staying on task, not being able to complete simple tasks, forgetfulness and easily distracted, the parent has probably tried several times to work on correcting the behavior with no success. Parents should realize that all causes for ADD are pointing toward a chemical imbalance in the brain, not childrearing practices.

Parents are the child's best advocate, especially when school is concerned. The child's disorder will interrupt the classroom, cause problems with many of his or her peers and may hinder grades. The social setting of the classroom is not conducive to children with ADD and the parent may need to play advocate so the school takes the child's disorder into account when putting them in structured classrooms.

Parents will need to work with doctors and counselors to find behavioral and/or psychological therapy that work with and for the child. What may work for one may not work for another child, so specialized treatment is necessary. Other disorders can manifest from having ADD, such as learning disabilities (which is why working with the school system is vitally important) and other antisocial disorders. Today more is known about the disorder and support has grown tremendously over the past 25 years.

Parents should understand that the disorder will touch many aspects of the child's life and while it appears some have grown out of the disorder, many will live with ADD forever. Living with the disorder can be done though. Many resources are available to help the child find employment that is more conducive to those with ADD, schools are setting up specialized programs and the social stigma that was once attached is not as damaging. Many therapy support groups are also available to help those with ADD and loved ones of those with ADD. Doctors, counselors and schools should have a list of local resources.

Medication is also available that has helped many live with ADD. Long term effects of the drugs prescribed, such as Ritalin, are just now being researched and children or adults with heart problems should advise their doctor of the condition. Most medications for ADD are stimulants and may complicate heart conditions. There are also side effects to ADD medications, such as losing one's appetite, loss of sleep, higher anxiety and irritableness. As with any medication, stomach problems may occur.

With the right combination of treatment, living with someone with ADD or living with ADD yourself can be accomplished. You are not alone.

Learn more about this author, Karen Moore.
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