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ADD
The National Institutes for Health define Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as a “problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination…[that are] out of the normal range for a child’s age and development.” The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but approximately 3-5 percent of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Symptoms of ADD
Many of the symptoms associated with ADD are frequently attributed to normal childhood behavior. As a result, it’s not unusual for the disorder to go undiagnosed for years. While many children exhibit some or all of these symptoms from time to time, children with ADD exhibit these behaviors frequently, often on a daily basis, and in more than one setting (e.g. home, school, extracurricular activities, etc). Below is a list of symptoms that are commonly associated with ADD:
- Difficulty focusing or staying focused for extended periods of time
- Difficulty following instructions and completing assigned tasks
- Lack of organizational skills
- Forgetfulness
- Easily distracted. Children with ADD often begin projects, but do not complete them
- Inability to pay attention to details; make careless mistakes
- Procrastination
- Inability to keep up with conversations. It is common for children with ADD not to listen to others and interrupt when someone else is speaking
Diagnosing ADD
Because many of the symptoms of ADD mimic those of other disorders, children who are suspected of suffering from ADD should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The child’s doctor will most likely ask parents and teachers to complete questionnaires to determine how many symptoms the child exhibits, when they began, how long they’ve lasted and whether or not the child exhibits them in multiple settings. All of this information is critical to making a diagnosis of ADD. The child’s doctor may also administer psychological testing to rule out other conditions and aid in the diagnosis.
Treating ADD
Successfully treating ADD often requires a multi-faceted approach that includes a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. In addition, parent and teacher involvement are critical to helping a child manage the disorder and succeed in school. Even after a child is diagnosed, follow-up visits to the doctor are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the child’s treatment. These visits can help determine if modifications should be made to the treatment plan.
Because students who suffer from ADD often struggle in school, it is important that ADD be identified and treated as soon as possible. Some techniques that may help a child manage the disorder, include:
- Maintaining a regular routine. Children with ADD benefit from consistency.
- Limiting distractions
- Rewarding good behavior
In addition, many children benefit from working with an ADD tutor who can help them stay focused on their schoolwork and provide the one on one attention they need to succeed.
