add & Adhd In Children
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_McGrath]Sylvia McGrath It is normal for children to occasionally daydream during class, act without thinking, forget their homework, or get fidgety at the dinner table. However, impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention, are also signs of ADD or ADHD. When a child has ADD / it can also lead to problems at home and school, and, affect the child's ability to learn and get along with others. It is therefore important to know what the signs and symptoms are and get help if the child is showing any of them Some ADHA Symptoms: * They cannot sit still, never seems to listen, * Do not follow instructions no matter how clearly they are given. * They blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. * They may also criticized for being lazy * They are labelled as troublemakers or undisciplined. The symptoms and signs of ADD/ADHD usually appear before the age of seven. It can however, be a little difficult to distinguish between normal kid behaviour and ADHD. If a few signs show up only in some situations then it is probably not ADD/ADHD. Should the child show a number of signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD and are disruptive at home, school and play then it is time to take a closer look. Before an accurate diagnosis of ADD/ADHD can be made, it is important that the child is taken to a mental health professional to explore and rule out the following possible causes of the ADHD-like symptoms: * Major life events or traumatic experiences that may have caused stress (e.g. divorce, a recent move, death of a loved one, illness, bullying.) * Learning disabilities or problems with reading, writing, motor skills, or language. * Psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. * Behavioural disorders such as conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. * Medical conditions, including thyroid problems, neurological conditions, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. Diagnosing ADD / in children: At this time there is no imaging or laboratory test existing to determine whether a child has ADD/ADHD. The diagnosis is mainly made on the signs and symptoms that are observed and by ruling out other disorders. It is therefore

important to have a full medical and psychological evaluation. Doctors usually interview the parent, child and any adult who can provide and insight into the child's behaviour. When choosing a specialist to diagnose the child, it's a good idea to also get recommendations from other doctors, therapists, and parents. Insurance companies are also a good source for referrals and information about the coverage of the family's insurance plan. Mental health professionals who can diagnose ADD/ADHD include psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists. For more information, please visit the sites below World Links World - Non-Government Organizations * Attention Deficit Disorder Association - http://www.add.org Attention Deficit Disorder Association helps to provide information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the professionals who work with them. In doing so, ADDA generates hope, awareness, empowerment and connections worldwide in the field of AD/HD. * C.H.A.D.D.: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders - http://www.chadd.org Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. I am a professional writer, a published poet and have recently co-authored a book about living with chronic illness with Two Maximum Life Coaches. I also have a new on- line magazine especially for children with special needs, chronic illnesses, and learning challenges. Besides working as a freelance writer, l still try to finds time for two other passions of mine they are to volunteer as literacy tutor for our local Learning Centre, and assist in facilitating workshops on disability awareness. My main goal is to write books for and about young adults and children who have special needs, learning challenges and chronic illnesses. My mission in life is to improve and enhance the lives of others through the written word. My website is: http://www.sylviawmcgrath.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_McGrath http://EzineArticles.com/?ADD-and-ADHD-in-Children&id=1450870