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WHAT IS ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?

 Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive activity. Most children are easily distracted and often fidgety, but in ADD sufferers these traits are so pronounced that they can make learning and education virtually impossible.

 

ADD sufferers often have difficulty making friends because they have a tendency to interrupt games and conversations. As children, they will always be easily distracted and forgetful, yet many grow into perfectly 'normal' adults, with good jobs and social lives. Hyperactivity is often associated with ADD. The hyperactive form of ADD is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.

 

What causes ADD?

 

There are two main reasons why young children can suffer from attention deficit disorder:

Certain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine) can result in ADD-like symptoms. The release of these chemicals is controlled by enzymes, so ADD sufferers probably have an enzyme which is not functioning as it should. There is also some evidence of a genetic link.

 

Scientists have noted that abnormal amounts of Food intolerance is sometimes implicated and, although it cannot cause ADD, it may aggravate the symptoms. If you notice that your child's behaviour deteriorates after eating a certain type of food, for example, food containing tartrazine, try excluding it for a week or two to see if there is any improvement.

 

Symptoms

A child with true ADD will display at least eight of the following symptoms consistently for at least six months, before the age of seven:

 

·        Is easily distracted

·        Never sits still

·        Is always fidgeting

·        Has poor concentration      

·        Rarely waits his turn in games

·        Blurts out answers to wrong

·        Has difficulty following instructions

·         Is chronically inattentive

·         Rarely completes a task before starting another

·        Talks incessantly

·        Often interrupts

·        Doesn't listen properly

·        Demonstrates reckless, Risk-taking behaviour

                                                                                

A child with ADD may often play alone because he has difficulty making friends with other children. He may frustrate other children by frequently interrupting games and conversations and by not understanding that he has to wait his turn.

 

How is ADD diagnosed?

 

If your child's behaviour fits the criteria listed overleaf, consult his nursery or school to find out whether he displays similar behaviour patterns there, as well as at home. If so, you will need to consult your doctor.

 

• Your  doctor  can refer your child to a paediatrician, child psychologist or psychiatrist, who will need to confirm that your child is suffering from ADD. Your  doctor may be involved in prescribing medication. 
• Be aware that although acceptance and understanding of ADD is on the increase, a few doctor are still doubtful about its existence. Parents may even find themselves under suspicion for 'causing' their child's symptoms by the way they are bringing him up. 
• Questions about your home life may be necessary in order to establish whether your child is simply reacting to a trauma 
• The specialist may test your child for a whole range of conditions with similar symptoms. 

How is ADD treated?

 

Once ADD is diagnosed, your child may be put on medication, which will help to control but not cure the condition.

 

At school, your child should have access to teachers who fully understand ADD. Ideally, a network of care should be available, including counselling for parents.

 

The availability of treatment and care can vary according to where you live.

 

Different drugs and dosages may be tried in order to find out which is most effective for your child's particular condition.

 

However, medication should be used only as a supplement to behavioural therapy and parental support.

 

 

Coping with ADD at home

 

The following methods can all be used to help a child who has attention deficit disorder:

 

Routine: develop a simple daily routine that includes activities such as washing and dressing at a regular time each day. This may seem impossible with an ADD child, but persevere. Encourage your child and avoid criticise. Also, try to avoid situations. where your child may find it hard to cope, such as long church services.

 

 

Relaxation: gentle techniques can help a hyperactive child wind down. Lie on the floor or make yourselves comfortable on the sofa, and try counting backwards, or reciting a story, with your voice getting slower and deeper. See who can speak the slowest.

 

Focusing techniques: these can help to improve concentration. Encourage your child to examine simple objects closely and describe how they look, how they feel, how they smell and how they sound. Ask him to visualize a scene or an object and describe it.

 

Physical exercise:  this is particularly important if he is hyperactive. Exercise helps him focus his energies and can provide a sense of achievement. Solitary sports are best; team games involve social co-operation, which can be difficult for ADD sufferers and further aggravate their sense of low self-esteem

 

It is important that you try to carry out a normal, everyday routine with an ADD child. This will give her security and help her focus on certain activities.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.