The signs of Attention Deficit Disorder may or may not be incredibly apparent. Because of the intricacies of this disorder and the variations from child to child, diagnosis may prove to be a difficult process.
The first step is understanding that hyperactivity is not synonymous with Attention Deficit Disorder. While a child may exhibit an increased level of activity with this disorder, it is not an inherent factor of ADD.
On the other hand, there are certain characteristics that are prevalent in a child with ADD, such as inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and being easily distracted.
Inattentiveness and distractibility go hand and hand. A child with ADD may have a difficult time staying on task, completing activities, and paying attention to details. While these may seem common traits among children, an ADD child will exhibit extreme behavior more so than children of the same age. They must also exhibit these behaviors for extended periods of time, more than six months, and the behavior must significantly hinder a child's ability to function in day to day activities.
Impulsiveness also is a common trait among children with ADD. Often paired with hyperactivity, a child may suddenly bolt from their chair to observe what is taking place across the classroom. On the other hand, a child may also exhibit impulsive behavior that does not show signs of hyperactivity, such as blurting out answers in a classroom setting.
Children with Attention Deficit Disorder seem to be wired in to everything that is happening around them. In some ways, they are hypersensitive to their surroundings and can not concentrate with typical distractions. While they do not have difficulties learning, they may very likely rank poor academically because of their inability to stay on task and complete assignments.
Boys and girls tend to behave differently with ADD. While both genders will typically be hypersensitive to sight, sounds, and physical stimuli, boys tend to be more hyperactive and girls more inattentive. They also both seem to become unmanageable and unruly with overstimulation, sometimes to the point of aggressiveness and abusiveness. This is of particular importance to parents of a child with ADD, as these prove to be more difficult times of control.
It is important, however, to understand that all children are different. No two children will behave exactly the same in any given circumstance. Just because your child behaves more aggressively than other children, does not necessarily mean they have ADD. Diagnosis from a physician or specialist is necessary to determine if Attention Deficit Disorder is present.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Help for my 3 year old
By: srg | 17-08-2008
can a 3 year old get bacterial vaginosis
I've been a nurse for 5 years without having much ...
By: Sherry Tager | 17-08-2008
I've been a nurse for 5 years without having much hospital training other than nursing school. Are there places willing to train me without working for minumum wage?
Wonderingr rn
Any Info on how to get Health Ins. Pooling ??
By: neeter | 17-08-2008
Do you know who I can get in contact with ,to get Health Ins. pooling with other small business, self employed ? Husband can not afford his BCBS. This years renewal prem went up $ 260.00 per month more than last year. To $860.00, it's like rent or house payment! This is for 1 person age 52 . Economy is so bad, hardly get to work. Income has dropped to about 1/4 of what it has been a year and half ago. we are going to have to drop health ins. if we can't find a different solution. Any suggestions ?? Thanks Juanita
When i have my peroid why so i feel so horney
By: dancegurl1396 | 17-08-2008
when i have my peroid why so i feel so horney
Please help me find something very important..
By: moviejen10 | 17-08-2008
i am trying to find a cabel show called medical diary, it was a series of shows on the discovery health channel...my name is jenny and the very first show was on me....it origionally aired in 2000....and im having the hardest time finding it..
the info that i have on it is...
discovery health channel, medical diary was the name of the series, and the tital of the episode was Jenny's story..can anyone help me....
if so email me backwith info or the link.. at moviejen10@aol.com , subject medical diary.....
thank you...
Cici's Pizza Employee Question
By: MEP0126 | 17-08-2008
What company provides health insurance for Cici's Pizza employees?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
How Your Cleaning Supplies Can Affect Asthma
By: Thomas Pretty | 13/10/2008
A look at a recent study that found how certain cleaning supplies may worsen the effects of asthma and why effective cleaning methods are vital.
Accomplish Your Healthy Fat Loss Goals
By: Krystyna Pritschmann | 13/10/2008
It is not difficult to reach your healthy fat loss goals as long as you eat right, go in for a balanced diet and not a fad diet. It is also vital that you do not starve yourself or go on a fasting spree in the hope that it will...
What Services You Should Expect Your Dentist To Provide
By: Christine OKelly | 13/10/2008
Whether you've moved or are just ready for a new dentist, it's important to do your research on the services offered by local dentists. This article explains some services that many dental offices offer to their patients.
How to Have a Successful Weight Loss and Not Plateau
By: Marci Lall | 13/10/2008
For some women, after a few months of beginning a new exercise program they are able to see incredible results. They are able to lose some pounds and maybe even drop a dress size or two. However, more and more women are allowing themselves and their exercise routines to become...
8 Harmful Effects of Fat
By: Marci Lall | 13/10/2008
Fat, mainly fat around your waistline, increases your risk of some serious illnesses. Are you doing anything about it? Chances are, you've probably tried a bunch of things that were either to hard to implement or something that claimed you would lose a number of pounds in a number of...
Is Going Organic the Way to Go?
By: Marci Lall | 13/10/2008
You see it in the grocery stores all the time, the high priced organic foods that are supposed to be free of residue and said to be made naturally without any pesticides. But is it worth it? Are organic products that much better for your health than commercially farmed foods?
To...
Foods That Reduce Your Appetite
By: Marci Lall | 13/10/2008
If you find that you overeat and never feel hungry, you may be eating the wrong foods. Sometimes knowing which healthy foods can decrease your hunger will help in reducing your caloric intake and and provide you with a strategy to change your eating habits.
The list below are some of...
Why Circuit Training Will Help You Lose Weight Faster
By: Marci Lall | 13/10/2008
There are many forms of training, so many in fact that's it's really difficult to choose the type of training that's right for your specific goals. Research, as well real life case studies show that "circuit training" combined with super-setting produce amazing results for women who want to lose weight...
More from Amy K. Spade
What Are Air Purifiers?
By: Amy K. Spade | 12/09/2006 | Advertising
As the name indicates, air purifiers are intended to keep the air we breathe as free as possible from allergens, dust and other air-borne pollutants. There are many different types of air purifiers, some being more advanced than others.
Treating ADD With Medication
By: Amy K. Spade | 14/02/2006 | Health
Medication has long since been the cornerstone for treating Attention Deficit Disorder. There are several medications on the market and their effectiveness is rarely at question; however, they do not come without their side effects and criticisms.
Treating ADD - The Range Of Possible Options
By: Amy K. Spade | 12/02/2006 | Health
Attention Deficit Disorder, a challenge to say the least, may have you ready to pull your hair out.
Hyperactivity vs ADD - What's The Difference?
By: Amy K. Spade | 09/02/2006 | Health
A common misconception, when it comes to Attention Deficit Disorder, is that it is one in the same with hyperactivity. However, this is far from the truth.
What Causes ADD?
By: Amy K. Spade | 04/02/2006 | Health
Many of the parents, as well as the children affected by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), have been left wondering what causes this frustrating and complicated disorder. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer to this question.
Is ADD A Learning Disability?
By: Amy K. Spade | 02/02/2006 | Health
Attention Deficit Disorder, in itself, is not a learning disability. The term "learning disability" typically refers to a perceptual disability, such as an auditory or visual processing disorder, like autism or dyslexia.
Guide To Hiring A Wedding Coordinator/Planner
By: Amy K. Spade | 01/02/2006 | Marriage
After reading everything in this book, you may be concerned that you don't have what it takes to plan your own wedding. Perhaps you feel that you're too busy or that you're just not creative enough. That's okay.
What Is ADD?
By: Amy K. Spade | 01/02/2006 | Health
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.
Health 
