Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms
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Parents often notice attention deficit disorder symptoms as a child begins to reach the age where sitting in a chair to concentrate on some activity is required. And while attention deficit disorder (ADD) manifests itself in different ways, there are some clear and common symptoms that surface. Fidgeting, unable to concentrate, easily distracted and doesn't really like sitting and working on mental exercises are all very common symptoms that may be spotted as early as preschool. Trained experts are needed to actually diagnose a child with ADD, but it doesn't usually take parents too long to figure out that one's child is just too active, too distracted or too disinterested in learning activities. And if this kind of immature behavior is just written off by parents as a phase or immaturity, a teacher who can compare the behavior to all the other children will certainly be able to alert the parents. In fact, it is the comparison of non-ADD children and their behavior to those that have the disorder that helps experts recognize the problem.
There are three classifications of ADD that are formerly recognized by the medical community. And while many people still refer to attention deficit disorder symptoms as ADD, it is no longer referred to in this manner. The disorder is now referred to as AD/HD, and some with attention deficit disorder symptoms would now be referred to as AD/HD, predominantly inattentive type. So if someone is said to have ADD symptoms, he would have the first type, called inattentive. In this case, the person, either child or adult, would not pay close attention to details, would not be able to sustain attention, doesn't seem to listen, can't follow instructions, is not organized, easily distracted and forgets daily routines easily. Many of those with the primarily inattentive type of AD/HD or any type of AD/HD are very bright. There is certainly no issue with intelligence.
The second form of AD/HD deals with those who are primarily hyperactive. Those who suffer from this type AD/HD are more physical in their symptoms, unlike attention deficit disorder symptoms. Here, the person fidgets in their chair, doesn't want to remain seated, runs around for no reason, cannot be quiet, has a motor mouth, talks out of turn, can't wait in line and interrupts others. And then there is the third type of AD/HD which is a combination of the two. Both attention deficit disorder symptoms of inattention and AD/HD symptoms of physical activity make up the third type, and wow, are these handful for teachers! But let's face it; all children are like this at some time or another, so it takes a trained professional to eliminate the ordinary stuff from the disorder that is present in some.
There are still many people who think that those who are diagnosed with one of these types of disorders "just need that paddle taken to them." Some people might say that society just doesn't want to accept playfulness among children anymore and that this concern over seemingly childish behavior is all a lot of smoke and mirrors. But children with attention deficit disorder symptoms or any other AD/HD symptoms are more likely to drop out of school, have fewer friends, take up smoking, have addictions to drugs and alcohol and end up with psychiatric illnesses than those without the diagnosis. There is the mistaken idea that children who are diagnosed with AD/HD will grow out of it as they mature, but studies have shown that left untreated or if the treatment ends at a younger age, adults who have this chronic disorder will face many social, physical and mental issues all during life if treatment is ignored. Recognizing that there is no shame in having this disorder is the first step in parents and those who have the issue as adults seeking continued help for one's children and themselves.
Children who have been diagnosed with having attention deficit disorder symptoms or any other AD/HD symptoms may be placed in special classes at school, depending on the severity of the disorder and the response or lack of it to medical treatment. There are many resources for parents of children who have this diagnosis, including information and support groups. The classes at school for these children are usually not for lack of learning skills but because of behavior that can often derail the rest of the class's learning. In these special classes trained teachers can help children learn proper behavior and alternative ways to deal with stress. There are medications that can greatly diminish the effects of attention deficit disorder symptoms on the child, though not in every case. And because of the side effects of the medication, some parents are reticent to give it to their children. These side effects can include restlessness, tremors, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and in some cases lack of appetite so many parents have their children on the medicine Monday through Friday and off on the weekends, although this can prove counterproductive in the long run.
Since there is a great deal of information both online and from medical professional regarding AD/HD, and since educational professional deal with this issue every day, parents of these children should listen carefully and with wisdom to their recommendations. There is no reason why other opinions cannot be sought if one is not happy with what is being said. And adults should always consider staying with treatment after their adolescent years are over in order to enjoy as much career success as possible. Remain up to date with all the latest treatments and ask your physician about alternative treatments. Remember this from God's Word: ..."a man of understanding hath wisdom." (Proverbs 10:23b)
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