Attention Deficit Disorder
What is It?
Attention Deficit Disorder – also known as ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a syndrome found in both children and adults. To receive a diagnosis of ADD (primarily inattentive type) a child must have at least 6 of the following behaviours:
• Makes careless errors because of inattention to detail
• Has trouble staying on task
• Appears not to listen
• Has trouble following through with instructions or completing tasks
• Has trouble with organization
• Dislikes and/or avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort (like schoolwork)
• Loses things
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful
In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive type), a child must regularly exhibit at least 6 of the following behaviours
• Squirms in seat or fidgets
• Inappropriately leaves seat
• Inappropriately runs or climbs (or experiences restlessness)
• Has trouble playing quietly or engaging in leisure activity
• Appears “driven” or “on the go”
• Talks excessively
• Answers questions before they’ve been completely asked
• Has trouble waiting turns
• Interrupts or intrudes on others
It is possible for a child to have both the inattentive and the hyperactive-impulsive clusters of symptoms. Children with ADD/ADHD may have high, medium or low intelligence. However, the symptoms of this syndrome tend to interfere with the type of learning that occurs in a classroom. Many ADD/ADHD people only discover their great capacity for learning once they’ve left school, because the world at large offers more variety in terms of learning experiences. An ADD/ADHD child who is constantly encouraged to use his talents and skills, usually maintains enough confidence to undertake challenges in adulthood. Parents can help by focusing attention on the child’s strengths and downplaying the attention given for weaker areas.
What is the ADD/ADHD Child Like?
Children with this syndrome usually have other issues besides the ones that are needed for the ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Many have poor social skills including difficulty making and keeping friends, immaturity, inflexibility, aggressiveness and poor judgement. Many have problems with temper and emotional regulation. Self-control can be a problem including problems with money management and time management.
Some children with ADD/ADHD have other disorders at the same time. Common “co-morbid” syndromes include Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Learning Disabilities.
Naturally, a child with many inborn challenges will find life difficult a lot of the time. His or her parents, teachers and siblings will also have to deal with the increased stress of living with or working with this kind of child. Because of their difficulties and the difficulties they pose for others, children with ADD/ADHD are at risk for developing low self-esteem and negative self-concept. However, there are many ways that parents can help their child survive and thrive with ADD/ADHD.
Bringing Out the Best in the ADD/ADHD Child
Raising a child with ADD/ADHD requires superb parenting skills. Being “Average-Joe-Parent” just won’t do with this population. For a set of easy-to-acquire top parenting skills, see “Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice.” Meanwhile, keep these points in mind:
• The ADD/ADHD child is not purposely disobedient or unruly. He is dealing with inner compulsions and forces; he would like it if he could be easier going, more flexible, happier and relaxed, but he just can’t get there. He needs your love, support, patience and understanding.
• Keep expressions of anger to an absolute minimum with this population. They lack the ego-strength (self-confidence) to handle anger and often react with depression, withdrawal, aggressiveness, acting out and other forms of intense emotional turmoil and dysfunction. Learn how to discipline without using anger at all.
• Experiment with Bach Flower Therapy as a treatment for ADD/ADHD. Bach Therapy has no side effects of any kind, yet can often powerfully reduce many of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD such as impulsivity, immaturity, hostility, depression, anxiety, restlessness, lack of concentration/attention and more. (See article on Bach Flower Therapy on this site.) Also, look into the many kinds of alternative naturopathic treatments available – check the internet, bookstores, and your local naturopath.
• Consider enrolling your child in social skills or anger management programs providing sheltered group activities or individual activities that will build personal confidence and self-esteem such as karate lessons, roller blading lessons, drum lessons, art lessons, cooking classes etc. These needn’t be formal classes – if you can provide extracurricular activities yourself at home (like teaching your child to cook or sew) – that’s great! ADD/ADHD children often grow up to be adults with exceptional creativity and unique gifts. As long as their self-esteem remains intact and they develop ways of working around their deficits, they are capable of being highly successful professionally and personally.
• Speak to your doctor about other forms of treatment that may be appropriate for your child.
• Arrange a thorough assessment for your child. It will offer a list of recommended treatments for each area of deficit. Some hospitals have departments that will assess children for developmental disorders.
