Are you the parent of a child that has trouble in school,
one that does not concentrate well, feels left out, is distracted easily, and
just seems different from other children? If so, chances are you have a child
with Attention Deficit Disorder, otherwise known as ADD. New studies show that
up to 5% of all school age children have ADD with boys leading girls, three to
one. Although frightening and concerning, you first need to get a firm
diagnosis so proper treatment can be offered. The best option is to speak with
your doctor about having your child undergo an Attention Deficit Disorder test.
Years ago when ADD was first recognized, there was little help but today with
numbers climbing, we see more and more powerful treatment options that can turn
a child’s life around. Rather than sit back and watch as your child struggles
to maintain friendships, or daydream during class, you can have a simple
Attention Deficit Disorder test performed that will give you affirmative
answers. With that, your doctor can work with you for treatment. With the
right type of therapy, counseling, coaching, and medication, you will soon have
an entirely new child.
Now, keep in mind that while most types of Attention Deficit Disorder tests are
similar, they do vary somewhat. However, the goal for each is to narrow down
the specific factors associated with ADD to see how many your child has. As you
will see from the Attention Deficit Disorder test below, if your child has 10 or
more of these factors, then it is likely that ADD is the problem. Keep in mind,
this test is one you do yourself and while it is similar to the one a doctor
would administer, it should never take the place of seeking proper medical
attention.
|
Internal anxiety |
Impulsiveness |
|
Frequently distracted |
Often misplaces things |
|
Lack of attention to detail |
Family history of ADD, mood disorders,
depression, or other mental illness |
|
Difficulty following simply commands |
Daydreams or wanders off |
|
Does not handle change well |
Trouble maintaining friendships |
|
Likes to sleep or has trouble waking in
the morning |
Spends excessive time doing homework |
|
Does not manage time well |
Feels overwhelmed |
|
Procrastinates |
Sense of underachievement |
|
Mood swings |
Needs high stimulation activities |
|
Does not like to participate in school
activities or group sports |
Has exaggerated outbursts |
|
Often transposes letters and numbers |
Becomes argumentative |
|
Worries excessively |
Tends to be thin-skinned, getting his or
her feelings hurt easily |
Once you compare your
child’s behavior with the above Attention Deficit Disorder test, you can then
determine if further intervention is needed. Again, we cannot stress enough the
importance of working with a doctor that specializes in ADD and other mental
illnesses. This way, you know you will be getting not just the best but the
latest treatment possible. If you are worried about your child being put on
Ritalin or Prozac, talk to him or her about all your treatment options.
Sometimes, a milder medication can be used along with other treatment options.
This is your opportunity to give your child a new lease on life.
ADD
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