Age 16

Francesca, Age 16		What is it, and what are the symptoms? Attention Deficit Disorder, can be characterized by a short attention span, and can sometimes be characterized by the following symptoms: (most symptoms found in http://www3.sympatico.ca/frankk/) Excessively fidgets or squirms Difficulty remaining seated Easily distracted Difficulty awaiting turn in games Blurts out answers to questions Difficulty following instructions Difficulty sustaining attention Shifts from one activity to another Difficulty playing quietly Often talks excessively Often interrupts Often doesn't listen to what is said Often loses things Often engages in dangerous activities Difficulty paying attention Daydreaming "spacing out"
Another symptom seen, is that it takes them longer to read than their friend. This can be a key sign because a person who could get by in grade school with the reading is then expected to read much more in high school and college. A person, who will read for thirty minutes and then notice that she can't remember what she read, has a harder time succeeding in class. These symptoms are some of the most noticeable with people who have ADD. The disorder is actually a "neurochemical" disorder that affects people's attention, activity and impulsivity. The symptoms tend to be strong, and don't allow for the person with ADD to function easily. It is also hard for the people around this person to work, when the person with ADD can't concentrate. The symptom of Hyperactivity is normally related to a sub group of ADD, called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The difference between the two is mainly the symptom of Hyperactivity. The people with ADHD, are the "speedy, hyper, bounce-off-the-wall people". For people with ADD the impact on people's lives can be great. Often resulting in disorganization, under-achievement, unable to "filter out distractions", and sometimes become depressed. Other people with ADD may have low self-esteem. The most important thing to remember is to be patient with yourself if you have ADD, and with other people that have ADD. What causes ADD? Most people aren't sure what causes ADD exactly, but it is thought to be biological, meaning that probably someone else in one's family has ADD. One factor that has to be kept in mind is that you don't catch ADD. If you are diagnosed with ADD, even as an adult, you can probably go back to your childhood and notice that some of the above symptoms were present. What can parents do? Parents can play a key role in helping their kids to work with ADD. It is important that parents read as much as they can, and try to educate themselves so they can work with their kids and not against them. Parents will want to also talk to the school that their children are in. By having a meeting with teachers and directors at the schools, parents can understand how the school will react and help their child. The most important things are encouragement and patience. Since people that suffer with ADD, go through very difficult times at home, with schoolwork, but also with friends and other kids at school. There may be name-calling like "airhead", and "bimbo". This is one of the reasons that the support from parents and close friends has to be strong. Make sure that that person knows that they are smart and worthy of love. Is there Treatment? There is treatment that focuses mainly on the use of medication. One of the most well known medications is Ritalin; it has worked for many people very successfully. However it is important to focus on other aspects of treatment as well. It is crucial that a professional, such as a psychologist makes the diagnosis. It is also important to educate others about how ADD affects people. With medication and counseling, people with ADD can control their behavior, and lead very productive lives.
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