Your child may be dreamy or forgetful, lose things easily, have low self-esteem or be physically clumsy. Classmates and teachers may accuse him of being stupid, when in fact he is a child with ADD or ADHD. Find out more about this condition.
In simple terms, what is ADD/ADHD?
ADD/ADHD is a genetic learning and behavior disorder. In simple terms, experts say they have identified two major types of ADD: ADD (attention deficit disorder) with hyperactivity, which is the more basic and common type of ADD known as ADHD, and ADD without hyperactivity, which is characterized by inattention.
Many children with ADD have trouble concentrating on the specific task in front of them, especially if they are working on something like schoolwork or tasks that aren't very interesting. For most of us, being able to concentrate on one task isn't too demanding because our brain filters out basic distractions around us like the noise of cars in the streets. Children (or adults) with ADD pay equal attention to everything going on around them. This is especially difficult, if for example, they are attempting to concentrate on their math worksheet while hearing the sound of a noisy air conditioner at the same time, or watching schoolmates moving outside the classroom. ADDers (children with ADD/ADHD) have to be very motivated, very fascinated and very interested in what they're doing in order for it to sustain their attention.
Some moms may think, "This is definitely not my child because he has the ability to sit in front of the play station all day long and completely shut himself out from the entire world." That is possible with an ADDer because play station is fun and challenging. However, if you place the same child in front of math or grammar homework, you will get an entirely different attitude. In short ADDers have a terrible time paying attention to anything that's not interesting or that is not motivating to them, which applies to a large percentage of schoolwork and chores.
At what age and how can you diagnose a child?
Children can usually be diagnosed before seven years of age if the symptoms become apparent in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. It is recommended that your child be diagnosed by a psychologist or a psychiatrist who is very knowledgeable about ADD, as well as giftedness and creativity, since many ADD children are actually creative and gifted. A proper assessment on average takes a couple of hours and should include tests for IQ and creativity.
What are the medical options for ADD children?
A common medical solution for ADD/ADHD children is a drug prescribed by doctors that acts as a stimulant that cures the symptoms but not the root cause of the problems, and helps the ADDer pay attention, as well as control his hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This drug is often used in parallel with behavior management and problem management skills therapy to achieve maximum benefits. However, as with any drug it has its negative side effects and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Parents who prefer not to give drugs may opt for other alternative treatments including herbal alternatives, health supplements and multi-vitamins, and homeopathy which may help some ADD/ADHD children.
How can parents and teachers help?
While medical treatment may sometimes be an option, it is important that you understand your child and enable him to succeed. ADDers often suffer from low self-esteem and exhibit behavioral problems. These children don't usually respond to punishment the way average children do – the more you punish them the more they act out, so try to rely on various alternative discipline strategies.
Always remember to praise your child and minimize correcting him, in order to combat some of the negative pressure he may be feeling at school. Let your child know he is totally accepted and appreciated at home, and that your ultimate goal is to work with him to help him discover his true potential and work accordingly.
The school environment and teachers in particular are a crucial part of your child's daily life in terms of providing a proper learning environment. It may be useful for you to develop a system of communication with his teachers to provide details of assignments, upcoming exams and make up for any gaps in class work. Your child's teachers may need to know that he should be seated in the first row in class near the teacher's desk, and away from air conditioners, doors and windows, in order to avoid any distraction and maximize his concentration. Finally, a helpful classmate may be able to lend a hand to your child in prompting him to copy down the homework and take home the required assignments.
Believe in your child
Parents need to know that children with ADD can have special talents, even though they may not be good at exams or competent at a number of subjects in school. ADDers are known to have a dose of energy and creativity that others may not possess, and given the right opportunity and environment these children can find ways to succeed. Encourage your ADDer to see the value in himself and help him discover what he is good at even if this entails experiencing many different things at first to find out what he enjoys and develop his strengths.
Once your child becomes aware of his strength, the ADD gene will help him fuel his creativity. Keep in mind that some of the most successful people in the world such as Richard Branson (the rebel self-made billionaire of Virgin), Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill all had the ADD gene!
ADD without hyperactivity
(to be considered as having ADD without hyperactivity, a child must meet six of the following academic symptoms to an extent that is "maladaptive"):
• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork.
• Has difficulty maintaining attention in chores.
• Does not listen to what is being said.
• Fails to follow instructions or complete work.
• Unorganized.
• Struggles with schoolwork or homework.
• Loses necessary items required for tasks, such as school assignments, books, belongings, etc.
• Has poor memory.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is inclined to forget about daily activities.
ADD with hyperactivity
(to be considered as having ADD with hyperactivity, a child must meet six of the following behavior symptoms to an extent that is "maladaptive"):
• Fidgets with hands or feet in a restless manner.
• Has difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.
• Runs and moves around excessively, or is always restless.
• Has difficulty playing quietly.
• Often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor."
• Impulsive and often talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed.
• Has difficulty waiting in lines or waiting turns.
• Often interrupts others.
• Shifts from one uncompleted task to another.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
