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Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are not found in the majority of the population. In fact only some five per cent of children are diagnosed with these disorders. And it’s fair to say that all children at different times display the symptoms as an ADD and ADHD child displays.
There has been widespread debate amongst the experts in understanding the causes of these disorders. With depression and bipolar issues often in the public domain, it is often that studies appear suggesting that food additives or the breakdown of the family or some other issue is to blame for a child being found to be a sufferer of ADD or ADHD.
The truth is no expert has been able to suggest a cause which receives universal support. But parents need not despair. Despite the uncertainty in some quarters, there is a wide body of material available to help and educate a concerned father or mother.
There are even help groups which deal specifically with ADD/ADHD issues. Articles are published on web sites dedicated to the disorder. Parents are free to ask questions of resident professionals. Replies from other concerned parents are listed and all this information may be read and downloaded if necessary.
Obviously your family doctor will be aware of how a child is tested for the disorders and will know local specialists who can perform a more detailed examination.
Just what drugs and behavioral techniques are available are again discussed in detail. There are books on the subject and any good bookstore will have such titles or be able to order them in.
If you care to go online there are articles aplenty on the causes, symptoms and treatments suggested for those with ADD/ADHD.
There are not-for-profit groups which devote their time and energies to advising parents of any trends in the study of ADD/ADHD and their web pages are free and often extremely helpful. For example CHADD is one such group known as Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and they can be contacted as follows:
One of their many benefits is that they have established chapters or groups around the country so that you can meet local folk who are involved with the disorder on a daily basis. They too have resources with online help and recommendations to find experienced professionals.
Finding a local chapter is as easy as typing in your location on their ‘find a chapter’ section of their web page.
Information is one thing and support is another. As a concerned parent you will certainly need the first and may well require the second. The great thing is that there are many knowledgeable and caring people who are willing to share their knowledge and offer their concern to any parent worried about ADD/ADHD.
Summary
The disorder is relatively new at least in terms of definition and discussion. As a parent you want to know for sure if your busy or easily distracted child has ADD/ADHD. It is good to know that if they do have the disorder there is a wealth of information and advice freely available to help and guide you through this important stage of your child’s life.
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