What Is ADD?
Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly referred to as ADD, is
sometimes thought to be an epidemic among today's children.
Actually only occurring in 3% to 5% of children, ADD can be a
difficult disorder for children and parents to deal with.
For years, physicians and specialists have been unable to supply
an exact cause of ADD - only that it is a disorder that is
represented by symptoms of inattention, impulsive behavior, and
sometimes hyperactivity. However, in the last few years, more
doctors are looking to neurological issues as being a possible
cause. More information on this is provided in ebook 2 of
"Attention Deficit Disorder Explained - From Child to Adult".
The primary misconception regarding ADD is that it does not
actually exist; it is the result of parents wanting to drug
their children instead of dealing with them. The truth is,
however, that a child with ADD exhibits much more than common
childhood activeness. With ADD, the key is "excessive" behavior
- excessive inattention, excessive impulsiveness, and excessive
hyperactivity. Although most children will display a small
amount of each of these characteristics, when they become
extreme and hamper everyday tasks, they become a problem. This
is where treatment becomes necessary for the child to perform
common responsibilities, such as schoolwork, without the
distractions of ADD.
>From a child's point of view, ADD can be very frustrating.
Although they want to be good and control themselves, they are
easily pulled off task by every little noise and interruption.
As parents, you may perceive the environment as being quiet and
calm; however, to a child suffering from ADD, they will hear
cars drive by, dogs bark, and neighbors playing in their yards,
to the point of absolute disruption. While we may be able to
tune these things out unconsciously, ADD creates a funnel,
sending these distractions straight to your child.
The important thing in dealing with ADD is to acknowledge your
child's behavior is not always a conscious decision. At times,
they will bolt from their seat or become disorderly; however,
this is the ADD acting, not your child. They will need you to be
understanding and loving, instead of harsh and judgmental. It is
our responsibility as parents to guide our children through
life; you can not guide if you sit on a pedestal, constantly
reprimanding those beneath you. To ensure your child grows with
good self-esteem and a positive self-image, you should refrain
from being overly negative and callous. We have all heard the
saying, "love the sinner, hate the sin." Religion aside, this
should be the frame of mind in dealing with a child with ADD -
the child needs your love, the actions caused from ADD are the
problem.