Have you ever wondered why your child is hyperactive and restless? Most children are like this, but in some cases, your child might actually be afflicted with ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder or ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These disorders are quite common in school-aged children, and some say even over-diagnosed. Nevertheless, if your child seems to have particular concentration problems, this might explain it.
ADD and ADHD both interfere with your child’s ability to learn, since she is less able to pay attention in school and outside of it. On their own, ADD and ADHD are not learning disabilities, though your child may have one in addition to one of these conditions.
The conditions of ADD and ADHD are particularly hard to diagnose since every child responds to their condition differently. Some may become more aggressive, while others may become listless and depressed. Low self-esteem is common if her ADD or ADHD has prevented her from having positive, esteem-building experiences. Other children may end up exhibiting the stress of repressing their feelings about their condition in the form of physical aches and pains.
In the classroom, some children respond to their condition by becoming the class clown or bully, either end of the spectrum being equally likely. The other way many children respond is by becoming more withdrawn and reluctant to participate in classroom activities if she isn’t sure she will succeed.
If you suspect that your child’s attention problems are caused by more than just normal childhood restlessness, the first step to take is to contact your doctor. He should examine your child for possible causes of ADD or ADHD, and can refer you to specialists to see if there are any emotional problems, family environmental factors, or other possible causes. You should also stay in contact with your child’s school, as she may require academic accommodations. Another way of getting referrals to specialists is through your child’s school — they probably are equipped to refer you to specialists, as it is such a common childhood problem.
Your child will need help to overcome her barriers, but with the appropriate help, her life will improve dramatically. Emotional problems will lessen, academic performance will improve, more friends will be made and kept, and so on. It’s important that your child understands that it is quite possible for her to lead a normal, healthy life — ADD and ADHD are not crippling disabilities.
Another source of support is community organizations — there are many organizations founded to raise awareness of ADD and ADHD, and they will gladly provide you with information, referrals, and support wherever possible. Don’t ever feel alone — there are other families going through the same thing, and you may even be able to meet with some of them, get assistance from people who have been there before, and see that there are other children who act the same as yours.
The discovery that your child has ADD or ADHD is difficult on the family, but by taking the appropriate steps, you can minimize the strain on yourself, the family, and your child.
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Tags: Children's ADD and ADHD