Up to 3.5 million children have an Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD). It is a leading cause of school failure and under-achievement.
ADD is a neurobiologically based disability, characterized by developmentally
inappropriate attention skills, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.
ADD is often accompanied by poor self-esteem and behavioral difficulties.
Characteristics of children with ADD can include:
* Fidgeting with hands or feet
* Difficult remaining seated
* Difficulty awaiting turns in games
* Difficulty following through on instructions
* Shifting from one uncompleted task to another
* Difficulty playing quietly
* Interrupting conversations
* Appearing not to listen
* Doing things that are dangerous without thinking about the consequences
ADD students have a greater likelihood of repeating a grade, dropping out of
school, under-achieving academically, and having social and emotional
difficulties. Making and keeping friends is a difficult task for children with
ADD.
There is no "cure" for ADD, but parents can help their child by learning as much
as possible about ADD; seeking professional evaluation and treatment;
advociating for their child; seeking parent training. Parent training will help
a parent to provide clear, consisten expectations and directions; set up an
effective discipline system; create a behavior modification plan; assist a child
with social issues; and identify the child's strengths.