Thursday, May 29, 2008

ADD - How Much Happier Do You Want Your Child To Be?

ADD - How Much Happier Do You Want Your Child To Be?
A major part of the solution to many medical conditions is
identification and acknowledgement that the condition
exists. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is no different.
In order to treat the condition, it's critical that we
identify the symptoms. This article describes the various
symptoms manifested in children and highlights the
differences between boys and girls. ADD can take several
forms in children. It is not difficult to identify a child
with ADD - their personality often reflects total chaos.
In general, boys fit this category. However there are some
types of ADD which go undiagnosed because their effects are
far less evident. This occurs primarily in the case of
girls.

There are many girls who are categorized as "tomboys".
They frequently exhibit some of the features of ADD, like
being more involved in physical activities, but generally
they are not as reckless as boys. As a result teachers and
parents tend to jump to the conclusion that the child has
no interest in academic pursuits and is basically
disorganized, however the possibility of ADD is seldom
considered.

Besides the "tomboy" types, "chatty" girls could also be
suffering from ADD, however they often remain undiagnosed.
This is a fusion of over-activity and inattentiveness, and
is usually touted as socially extrovert. These girls are
extremely talkative rather than being physically active.
They also have difficulty telling detailed stories and will
often be distracted.

Those we label "daydreamers" could also be suffering from
ADD. They do not draw attention to themselves and tend to
be very quite. However, being introvert and not paying
attention in class can be another form of ADD. Symptoms
might include anxiety and depression - particularly when
given school projects plus the inability to complete school
projects. This generally goes undiagnosed because the child
is thought to be lazy.

What is fascinating is that many girls with ADD have quite
a high IQ and could be considered as "gifted". Keep in
mind that ADD is not a learning disorder, and patients are
not always poor performers at school. Until high school
they can perform quite well but with mounting pressure and
assignments, symptoms might become more and more evident.

When undiagnosed, ADD might cause significant harm.
Children will often be labeled as disorganized, lacking
intelligence and lazy, when in fact, they might be silent
sufferers of ADD. They will often have very low
self-esteem and be convinced they are quitters or stupid.
It is crucial that the problem is identified and treated
before it becomes too pronounced and any long-term damage
is done.


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Garry Macdonald & Kieran Smyth have established a website
providing little know information about attention deficit
disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). To learn the insider secrets about ADD or ADHD, go
to http://www.adhdsecretsuncovered.com .

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