| Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD, is | | | | more information about Autism at the web site Autism |
| thought be to genetic, based on information collected in | | | | Explained which also discusses the milder form of |
| various studies. This means that children inherit it from | | | | autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. |
| their parents, and it can show up in a child even if | | | | There are no sure-fire cures for ADD or ADHD. Some |
| neither parent has ever been diagnosed with it. Studies | | | | of the commonly prescribed treatments from doctors |
| continue to find out new things about this affliction, and | | | | include drugs such as Ritalin and amphetamines, |
| therefore the diagnosis of it as well as proper and | | | | perhaps combined with some psychotherapy sessions. |
| preferred treatment of it continue to change and | | | | Although somewhat difficult to diagnose due to the |
| evolve as doctors being to understand it better. ADD | | | | wide range of symptoms, all of which we all |
| is not limited to children, and many people who have | | | | experience from time to time, an accurate diagnosis is |
| this affliction lead a normal life without even being | | | | possible and should be done. ADD and ADHD |
| aware that they have it. | | | | symptoms include chronic tardiness and forgetfulness, |
| Many parents, and sometimes even doctors will jump | | | | undue anxiety, low self-esteem, issues with anger |
| to the false conclusion that a child has ADD. This is | | | | management, impulsiveness, chronic boredom, mood |
| sometimes also known as Attention Deficit | | | | swings, difficulty maintaining focus, depression, and |
| Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Although it is a quick | | | | interpersonal relationship difficulties. |
| diagnosis, sometimes the symptoms normally shown | | | | Scientific studies do not agree on the generally best |
| for ADD can be simply attributed to allergic reactions | | | | treatment for ADD and ADHD disorders. A big reason |
| or certain foods or ingredients. | | | | for this is because the disorder can range from being |
| The fact that ADD is a "quick diagnosis" is a problem, | | | | very mild or hardly noticeable to being extremely |
| because many times that diagnosis is not correct, and | | | | noticeable almost to the point of disruption in a |
| the root cause of a problem with a child is not | | | | classroom setting. Many doctors are quick to prescribe |
| diagnosed further to find the real reason for behavior | | | | drugs for treatment, but many times very effective |
| differences or mimicking the classic symptoms of | | | | treatment can be achieved by changing the child's diet. |
| ADD. Just because a child is having a problem | | | | Removing things such as sugary breakfast cereals, |
| academically, emotionally, or socially does not | | | | soft drinks, cookies, and chocolate from a child's diet |
| automatically mean that the child has ADD. Most | | | | can many times be as effective as prescription drugs, |
| typically, children between 8 and 10 years old are the | | | | depending on the severity of the disorder and the |
| ones most frequently diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. | | | | willingness of the parent to take what many may |
| At that age, children are starting to develop social skills | | | | consider "drastic measures" to remove such "staples" |
| and therefore the effects of a child who is not | | | | from their child's diet. Logic would dictate that it would |
| developing those skills as fast as his peers is readily | | | | be much preferable to try this approach and watch |
| apparent. | | | | closely for results that might show up as positive |
| One of the things that people, yes even doctors, | | | | improvements, rather than throwing prescription drugs |
| confuse with ADD is the beginning symptoms of | | | | such as Ritalin down the throats of tens of millions of |
| autism or autistic spectrum disorder. While similar, | | | | our children. |
| autism and ADD are distinctly different. You can get | | | | |