| Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit | | | | their brains interpret information. Giving children with |
| Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often referred to | | | | impulse control problems tasks that work with their |
| in the same breath by the general public as learning | | | | natures, rather than against them-like allowing them |
| disabilities. However, they actually belong to a | | | | to move to different parts of the house while |
| separate group of disorders. The Individuals with | | | | studying-can help them to maximize their educational |
| Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) puts ADD and ADHD | | | | opportunities. |
| in the "Other Health Impaired" category. The National | | | | 3. Problems with maintaining focus |
| Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that | | | | Some common indications of this are lack of |
| about 20 to 30% of children with ADD or ADHD also | | | | attention to detail and making frequent, unnecessary |
| have a learning disability, which further complicates | | | | errors. Most children with ADD or ADHD are just as |
| the process of distinguishing between the two. Both | | | | intelligent as those without such disabilities, but simply |
| types of disorders share a similar host of symptoms, | | | | don't have the skills necessary to concentrate on one |
| but should be regarded individually. Some of the | | | | task for a sustained period of time. Varying the |
| possible signs of ADD and ADHD include: | | | | volume and pitch of your voice may aid in keeping a |
| 1. Problems with memory | | | | child with ADD or ADHD focused. |
| These include disorganization and forgetfulness. | | | | ADD and ADHD are two of the most common |
| Those with organization issues may constantly lose | | | | childhood disorders in the United States. In order to |
| important personal items, such as their textbooks or | | | | make an accurate diagnosis, a child must meet with a |
| house keys. Others who have trouble recalling or | | | | psychiatrist who specializes in ADD and ADHD. The |
| retrieving information may often forget to finish their | | | | psychiatrist then makes an assessment and talks |
| tasks, like chores or homework. In both cases, the | | | | with the child's parents and teachers, who must |
| short-term memory is the area that is most affected. | | | | complete a behavioral inventory. All other possibilities |
| Using additional cues-sound or pictures, for | | | | must be ruled out before diagnosing a child with ADD |
| example-may help children to remember things more | | | | or ADHD. |
| easily. This explains why people often have an easier | | | | If a child is diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD, there |
| time remembering the plots of movies that they've | | | | are a variety of treatment options available, including |
| seen than those of books that they've read. | | | | medicine, therapy, and a combination of the two. |
| 2. Problems with impulse control | | | | Parents of children with ADD and ADHD must be |
| This is demonstrated by what may seem to at first | | | | willing to work closely with their child's psychiatrist to |
| to be behavioral problems, such as restlessness, | | | | find a system of treatment that suits their child. |
| impatience, and talking out of turn. However, these | | | | They should also keep their child as informed as |
| are in fact cognitive issues that have little to do with | | | | possible every step of the way, no matter how |
| a child's character and everything to do with how | | | | young they may be. |