Manalapan Township ADD Testing
Empowered Learning Transformation Centers
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological condition which is estimated to affect approximately 1% of children in the U.K. although figures in the U.S. are 3-5%. Though widely diagnosed and treated in the U.S. and Australia, the condition, as yet, is not widely recognized in the U.K.
The first behaviors are often found in early childhood, most children start to become recognized as having A.D.D. between the ages of 5 & 9 years. The condition continues throughout the school years and it is thought that 60% of children will carry some symptoms through to adulthood.
It is thought that A.D.D. can either be attributed to an hereditary or genetic cause or to damage to the fetus' brain during pregnancy or to the child's brain at or after birth.
The A.D.D. child may also suffer from asthma, eczema or E.N.T. problems, all of which are exacerbated by stress.
In the past A.D.D. has been attributed to Bad Parenting or diet. This however is not the case and research is beginning to find genetic links or brain damage, either at or after birth to be a primary cause, leading to a minor malfunction of a specific part of the brain.
The child needs stability both at school, by having the same teacher or helper all the time and at home by being in a stable, loving environment. The child needs re-assurance at all times and we who care for them must realize that it is not total naughtiness - the child cannot help it.
The A.D.D. child will probably grow into the A.D.D. adult who may seem - impulsive, have a high energy level and need a lot of environmental stimulation - or - lazy, messy, daydreamers, poorly organized or poorly motivated. The impulsiveness may lead to alcohol, drug or substance abuse in order to self-medicate their own condition. Therefore re-assurance at all stages is essential.
Finally, A.D.D. is a real condition; it is NOT caused by bad parenting. It can cause tremendous stress not only on the sufferer but to the whole family, it can at times lead to long term damage to relationships.
The sufferer, be they child or adult, is NOT stupid and needs constant boosting of self-esteem to learn to believe in themselves.
A lot of sufferers remain undiagnosed inspite of current research, therefore the need to promote awareness among the professionals and general public is of paramount importance.
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