ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder describes a behavior of persistent inattention that is more common and severe than in typical children of the same level of development. Attention Deficit Disorder is now classified as a separate category from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder because not all children with the disorder are hyperactive.
Signs of ADD
• Lacks attention to detail particularly in schoolwork
• Careless, messy work, inadequately thought through
• Trouble completing tasks, often shifts from one uncompleted task to another
• Daydreamer, does not follow instructions
• Acts without regard to consequence of their conduct
• Avoids tasks that require attention and understanding
• Difficulty following conversations, frequently interrupts and/or loses interest of subject midpoint
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition diagnosed in children during preschool and early elementary school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. It is estimated that approximately 2 million children in the United States have ADHD. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. Although the incidence of ADHD is considerably higher in boys than girls (between 3 and 5:1), the ratio of ADD is more evenly distributed between boys and girls.
Causes of ADD & ADHD
At this time, the causes of ADD & ADHD are not known. Some studies suggest that it may be passed down through the genes. Some researchers say it may be caused by parts of the brain responsible for attention and movement. Below you will find an article by BBC News on the study of children with ADHD and the role the brain plays in their behaviors. University of California Los Angeles researchers found some areas of the brains of the children were smaller, but others had more grey matter. Other studies have suggested that ADHD is linked to abnormalities in areas of the brain which control attention. But the latest study suggests there are also structural changes in areas which control impulsive behavior.
Common Traits of ADHD
Inattentiveness, Impulsively, Motor Hyperactivity are the main traits seen in toddlers long before the child enters school. The child may lose interest in playing a game or watching a TV show, or may run around completely out of control. But because children mature at different rates and are very different in personality, temperament, and energy levels, it's important to get a professional opinion on whether the behavior is appropriate for the child's age. Parents can ask their child's pediatrician, or a child psychologist or psychiatrist, to assess whether their toddler has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some common traits in children with ADHD, social awkwardness, and clumsiness.
Symptoms of ADHD
Different symptoms may appear in different situations. One feature is child's self-control, the child may not be able to sit still, and may be considered as disruptive. The inattentive child may be overlooked as a daydreamer The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered rambunctious or undisciplined. The child who is passive seems unmotivated or sluggish. Although all these symptoms vary they are all different types of ADHD. Parents who worry about their child's hyperactivity, easily distracted, poor concentration, or impulsiveness affecting performance in school, social relationships with other children, or behavior at home, ADHD may be the cause.
Inattention traits
• Often becoming easily distracted
• Often fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes
• Rarely follows instructions carefully and completely loses or forgets things like toys, or pencils, books,
and tools needed for a task Impulsively Traits
• Unable to control their immediate reactions
• Blurts out answers before hearing the entire question
• Has difficulty waiting in line or taking turns
• Blurts inappropriate comments, or display their emotions without restraint Hyperactivity Traits
• Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated
• Running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or proper behavior is expected
Diagnosing ADD & ADHD
Diagnosis is made only by Physician or a trained clinician after an extensive evaluation. This evaluation should include ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms involved, a thorough physical examination, and a series of interviews with the individual child and other key persons in the individual's life (for example, parents, care givers, or teachers).
Behavior Treatment
• Behavior training helps the child understand what do in certain situations and problems.
• Behavior training also helps the child know what he can do to avoid certain situations and problems.
• This training can be very helpful when combined with other treatment.
Treating Other Problems
• Your child may have other problems that contribute to the problems of ADHD
• Treating other problems (such as a learning disability) can improve your child's ADHD symptoms
Medication Treatment
Not all children with ADHD need medication. Medications such as Ritalin and Dexedrine may be tried for a period of time. Your child should be watched closely to see if the medication works. Tell your doctor about any changes in symptoms. Sometimes, different kinds or different amounts of medication are tried to find the combination that works best for your child. Medications to treat behavior and attention may be more effective if combined with behavior training.
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