| What is ADD? ADD or Attention deficit Disorder is not | | | | The doctor will also look for signs of over activity, |
| a fixed syndrome, but an evolving concept, therefore | | | | impulsiveness, frequent fidgeting when sitting, getting up |
| causes for this disorder and treatments are constantly | | | | off the chair when expected to sit still, inappropriately |
| changing. Many believe that genes play an important | | | | noisy, not listening to the whole question before blurting |
| part and there is some under-activity in the frontal | | | | out an answer, running or climbing about and difficulty |
| lobes of the brain, which is the command center for | | | | waiting in turn. |
| self-control. | | | | Treatment |
| There are a variety of factors to look at before | | | | Some children do respond after a change in their diet, |
| diagnosing ADD, including behavioral differences and | | | | that is why some children diagnosed with ADD are |
| early allergies to certain foods or ingredients. ADD is | | | | thought to suffer from food allergies, while others |
| normally diagnosed from age 7 years when children | | | | cannot metabolize certain substances found in certain |
| attend formal educational centers, but symptoms may | | | | foods or drugs such as artificial colorants, |
| be observed even earlier. | | | | preservatives and salicylates. Drugs used for severely |
| You may notice:o Difficulty following instructions, fitting | | | | affected children include stimulants such as Ritalin |
| in with a group or coping in new situations.o Extreme | | | | which does appear to increase concentration spans. |
| temper tantrumso Changing activities constantly, very | | | | However this is not a cure. Ritalin is thought to be |
| restlesso Disorganized and aimless activityo Pointless, | | | | effective in helping the child to concentrate, learn and |
| forbidden or painful activity repeatedo Difficulty gaining | | | | behave sociably and responds to other cognitive |
| self-controlo Obvious differences in the child compared | | | | therapies. Adverse effects do occur in some children |
| to siblings or peer groupo Hyperactive and clumsinesso | | | | including headaches, appetite and weight loss and poor |
| Slow to talk in some children | | | | sleep. |
| Diagnosis | | | | Other approaches to treatment include psychological |
| Unfortunately to the inexperienced person typical | | | | treatments, such as behavioral and cognitive therapy. |
| features of ADD are common and normal in most | | | | Reward schemes and positive encouragement are |
| children. A paediatrician and psychologist will look at | | | | included in behavioral therapy, while cognitive therapy |
| obvious signs and case history before diagnosing ADD. | | | | teaches a child to manage their reward schemes, |
| Seven symptoms of ADD | | | | control their impulses and solve problems in an orderly |
| The following seven symptoms must last for more | | | | manner. |
| than 6 months and be inappropriate for the child's age, | | | | What can a parent do Encourage self-control, plan |
| displaying obvious signs of a lack of concentration.o | | | | structured days and establish clear house rules. Be |
| Carelessness and failing to pay attention to detailo | | | | positive and reward good behavior, including small |
| Losing concentration frequently during play or worko | | | | achievements such as sitting at the table. Teach new |
| Not appearing to listen to what is being saido Not | | | | skills during the day when your child is most responsive |
| following instructions or completing taskso Not being | | | | and attentive. Ask for outside help if necessary when |
| very good at self-organization or organizing activitieso | | | | activity levels become too much to bear. Above all, |
| A dislike of tasks involving mental efforto Easily | | | | children who cope best are often children of coping |
| distracted and frequently forgetful, to the point of losing | | | | parents. |
| things needed for work or games | | | | |