While not paying attention and reacting before thinking are common symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), there are many other signs attached to this frustrating condition. The signs of ADD often appear in a child when they are about seven years of age. When not properly diagnosed and treated, their inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive tendencies follow them throughout adulthood. Below, you will find the main symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Inattentiveness
When a child has trouble paying attention, the thought of Attention Deficit Disorder almost always lurks in the back of the minds of parents and teachers. ADD patients often exhibit trouble focusing, remembering and organizing their thoughts and actions. When it comes time to complete a task, they may find it quite hard to begin, as well as stick with it until the end. Whenever boring or repetitive challenges are placed in front of them, they always seem to find a way to stray off course.
Student inattentiveness leads to lower grades in schoolwork, as ADD patients tend to skip over or ignore directions when completing work. Careless errors are a common result. When a teacher is giving a speech in front of the class, ADD patients look as if they are not focusing or listening to what is being said. When asked to recall assignments and questions, they will not know the details. During group projects in class, ADD patients will avoid the responsibilities that demand mental energy and orderliness.
Acting on an Impulse
When children follow the lifestyle of leaping before thinking, this surrender to impulse is a common symptom associated with Attention Deficit Disorder. Depending on the situation, the outcome could be less threatening, such as a visit to the principal’s office, or increasingly harmful, like running across the street without looking out for cars.
When children give into their impulses, they place their relationships with family, friends and teachers in danger. If left undiagnosed, they are likely to become labeled “a problem child” or “unruly,” hindering most chances of finding a proper solution, such as therapy or medication.
Childhood Hyperactivity
When a child exhibits a problem staying still, they might be diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The child may squirm in their seat during story time or climb on shelves in the middle of classroom free time. They may move about a room during inappropriate times and have trouble staying in one place. Speedy conversation may also arise.
In order to help a child live a fulfilling life and establish a functioning position in society when they grow older, it is important to diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder at an early age. An emphasis on proper diagnosis should also be stressed because, all too often, many kids are misdiagnosed with ADD when they really suffer from other emotional or mental ailments. Always remember that, with ADD, guiding a child through this often a difficult and frustrating medical journey that takes a lot of patience, kindness and love.