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Understanding ADD ADHD Disorder
By Mary Asomah...
ADHD disorder is a condition in which a child has difficulty concentrating and staying focused.
The ADHD child finds it difficult to follow directions, stay on task and stay still. There are many misconceptions when
it comes to ADHD ADD disorder.
Common Misdiagnoses of ADHD Disorder
The term ADHD can get tossed around by people who misdiagnose and mislabel children.
Parents who are concerned about their child's development and behaviour should discuss their concerns with an experienced
healthcare professional.
Although there are many ADHD ADD disorder checklists available, child care providers, school administers, teachers and even
friends and family who attempt to diagnose your child with these checklists are unqualified to do so.
An ADHD ADD disorder diagnosis can only come from an experienced professional who conducts in-depth assessments, thorough
background checks and interviews and a full physical examination of the child.
Symptoms associated with ADHD ADD disorder may actually be caused by a separate medical condition, such as diabetes,
vision or hearing loss, or a low blood sugar.
A child who appears to have ADHD may actually be suffering from another disorder such as autism, or they may have anxiety,
sleep difficulties or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Mislabeling or misdiagnosing a child can set the child back from valuable treatment. Parents are responsible for ensuring
that their child receives the best possible assessment.
Symptoms of ADHD Disorder
The three main symptoms of ADHD ADD disorder include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Not every ADHD child exhibits all three of these symptoms. A child who is diagnosed with ADHD ADD disorder is typically
diagnosed with; ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, ADHD Predominantly Inattentive, or ADHD Predominantly Combined.
Hyperactive Symptoms Relating to ADHD Disorder
A child with symptoms of hyperactive ADHD ADD disorder often seems to be constantly on the go.
The child has difficulty staying seated and often gets up and moves around when expected to stay still. The child may fidget,
bounce and squirm while seated.
The child with symptoms of hyperactive ADHD ADD disorder also talks excessively, and has difficulty participating in quiet
sedentary activities.
Impulsive Symptoms Relating to ADHD ADD Disorder
A child with symptoms of impulsive ADHD ADD disorder has difficulty waiting for turns and waiting to speak.
The child may blurt out answers inappropriately and interrupt other's conversations and activities. Impulsive behaviour includes
acting recklessly without thinking of the consequences, such as running into traffic or jumping off a dangerous incline.
Inattentive Symptoms Relating to ADHD ADD Disorder
A child with symptoms of inattentive ADHD ADD disorder has difficulty completing tasks and following directions. They are easily
distracted and appear to not listen when being spoken to.
Treating ADHD ADD Disorder
There are a variety of effective treatments for ADHD ADD disorder that include various types of therapy... behavioural,
social and psychological... and medication.
