Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

It is normal that sometimes we might forget about things we have to do such as, take some pills, call someone, and do any task. However, this problem does not occur just to adults; kids can forget about things they must do like their homework. Nevertheless, until what point is it this situation acceptable? Forgetting about things it is just one of many symptoms that kids with attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), present. Inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are also signs of this disorder which can affect children’s ability to learn and get along with others. In such a case, it is indispensable for parents and teachers to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms so that kids with this deficit attention can be treated.

To continue with this topic, it is significant to know what deficit attention disorder (ADD/ADHD) is, so let’s look at this brief explanation:

                                                                                     

v Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that appears in early childhood characterized by the presence of impaired attention associated with hyperactive and impulsive behavior. According to Hernando Ruiz and Ana Rosa M.A.

The presence of this disorder in kids entails to alterations in cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes.

According to Jesus J. de la Gándara Martín this deficit is a heterogeneous behavioral disorder that may respond to possible environmental etiologies, lesion brain, genetic and neuroanatomical-neurochemistry.

Now, knowing what ADD/ADHD is; it is important to identify whether the behaviors that a kid presents are really ADD symptoms or just some normal kids’ behavior. The signs and symptoms of this disorder typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “kid behavior.” If there is a kid that presents some hyperactivity or inattention, but these symptoms just occur sometimes; it may not be attention deficit disorder, nonetheless, if the symptoms are showed very often and in every environment such as, at home, school, and any other frequent environment. It becomes really important to start analyzing the kid to determine whether he or she is really having ADD problems.

The primary characteristics of ADD / ADHD

When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But this is not the only possible picture.
Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive.

The three primary characteristics of ADD / ADHD

The three primary characteristics of ADD/ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depends on which characteristics predominate.

Children with ADD/ADHD may be:

§  Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.

§  Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.

§  Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADD/ADHD).

A formal diagnosis is advisable to carry it out from six years-old and on. This is because at this stage, most kids start to assist to school, and once they are pressure with educational tasks, the deficit attention problem will become more noticeable.

The diagnosis is realized by a specialist (doctors and psychologists) with the information that comes from parents, teachers, and the direct observation of the kid. Strong basis of the disorder’s symptoms should be seen at least in two different environments such as, at home and at school.

Now that we know a little bit more about Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is important that we as teachers and parents pay the attention needed to some irregular behaviors that our kids can have so that we can proceed to look for the necessary treatment that the affected children need, and it this manner we contribute to the good education that all these kids call for.

v References: “Adquisicion de una lengua en niños con TDAH: Estudio de dos casos”  Hernando Ruiz y Ana Rosa. M.A. 

v  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm