ADD - Diagnosis and Management
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by: Guest
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ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, has been largely misunderstood. Most people think that a child who cannot be still, is impulsive and always moving around has ADD, but did you know that a child that is shy, withdrawn and has difficulty concentrating can also have ADD?
In reality, ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is what is diagnosed the most. These are the children that are loud; talk constantly, cannot sit still and have difficulty with schoolwork and organization. These children are more readily diagnosed because they are the "problem" children. The children with ADD and without hyperactivity are often overlooked because they are shy and withdrawn.
Some ADD characteristics are shy, withdrawn, socially inept, sluggish, obedient, non-assertive, overly polite, disorganization, daydreaming, careless errors in schoolwork, difficulty following instructions and a tendency to lose things; while ADHD characteristics are physically hyperactive, impulsive, loud, rebellious, showing off, interrupting, difficulty waiting, excessive running and difficulty bonding with others. The most common is a combination of the two sets of characteristics.
There are various techniques, along with or instead of medication that can be implemented to help the child with ADD or ADHD. They need to have time after an emotional incident to calm down and regroup. Try not to criticize or correct the child too much as it might cause self-esteem issues. The parent or teacher needs to find one thing that the child excels at and complement them on it. Structure and organization are a must for the child with ADD/ADHD. An organized and structured home environment will help the child be able to find things and function without a lot of guidance. This in turn gives them good self-esteem.
The cause of ADD is not fully known. It is biological and has heredity links. Possible causes could be environmental and research is ongoing in this area. Some research has linked pregnant women who smoke, premature birth, low birth weight and infant brain injuries to ADD in children. Some research states that too much television watching at a young age can cause ADD.
There are various treatments for ADD/ADHD. Behavior therapy and medication can work together to manage the ADD. Doctor's, parents and teachers must all work together to help the child in ADD management. Some people just want to medicate the child, but without behavior therapy and support, the medication alone will not be a "magic bullet".
The child needs a daily routine, such as awakening and bedtime, scheduled work and play time. Avoid all distractions while doing homework and organize all clothing, toys and books. Do not over stimulate the child by giving them many choices; one or two is fine. Also limit any instructions so the child does not get frustrated. Use a goals and rewards chart, such as a chore list with a place for a sticker when completed. Use removal of privileges or toys and time outs as discipline; never yelling or spanking.
There are many "alternative treatments" which have not been evaluated by the FDA or researched scientifically at all. Be careful of cure-all "wonder vitamins" as they are probably not going to work. Take things slowly, try behavior modification first and then if the child needs more help, see a physician about medication. Remember to always be patient and tell your child how much you love him!
Related: ADD - Diagnosis and Management
Additional information:
Chelation Therapy. Chelation therapy is the process of removing from the body the undesirable ionic material by the infusion, or taking.
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