Many individuals have met a child who can’t seem to sit still, can't follow directions and who sometimes acts inappropriately. Some people just label these children as "troublemakers," but in reality, this could be a description of a child who is suffering from a serious but very treatable condition such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Signs and Symptoms of ADD in Children
According to Sharisa Lewis, from LiveStrong.com, early signs of ADD often appear before a child reaches the age of seven. Some parents may have difficultly distinguishing the difference between a hyper or unorganized child and a child with ADD or ADHD. If parents notice that their child is displaying the following signs of ADD or ADHD, it's key to seek a prompt evaluation of the child, beginning with the family physician, who can then make the necessary referrals.
Symptoms of ADD and ADHD include:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sitting in a chair
- The child is very easily distracted
- Impatience
- The child blurts out comments or answers in class
- Difficulty following instructions
- Short attention span
- The child shifts from one incomplete task to another new task
- The child has difficulty playing alone
- Excessive talking
- The child frequently interrupts conversations
- The child loses items frequently
- Dangerous behavior
The Difference Between ADD and ADHD
Many individuals wonder what the difference is between ADD and ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a learning disability that includes hyperactive impulses. Children with Attention Deficit Disorder have all the same symptoms, excluding hyperactive symptoms. Therefore if a parent notices that their child not only displays signs of ADD, yet also seems to be extremely hyper, this may indicate that their child has ADHD.
Diagnosing ADD or ADHD
If parents recognize a few symptoms that pertain to Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, this does not mean that their child actually has the disorder. Diagnosing ADD or ADHD takes time and the disorder must be diagnosed by a professional.
The disorder is diagnosed after a child has shown signs of ADD or ADHD for more than six months and the child must have shown at least 6 or more specific signs of ADD. A doctor will often request information from several different sources, including school, child care providers and parents.
Treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD)
According to resources from HelpGuide.org, individuals can find effective treatment for ADD or ADHD. These many treatment options include behavioral therapy, social skills therapy, educational support and possibly medication. It may take a great deal of patience on the part of both parents and children, as every treatment option works differently for each individual. It may take time and lots of trial and error before an effective treatment plan is established.
ADD and ADHD can cause an array of struggles in a child’s life and the child can suffer academically, socially and the youth's behavior can strain relationships within the family. There are many treatment options for ADD and ADHD and the sooner a diagnosis and treatment plan is established, the sooner the child can start to rebuild his/her life.
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