Attention deficit disorder (ADD), and its related form attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affect an estimated five to ten percent of children worldwide. Experts say the cause involves a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medicines can produce calmer, clearer thinking for periods of time. However, there is debate about medicating children for ADHD.
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an inability to use skills of attention effectively. Studies suggest that 5-10% of children, adolescents and adults may have ADHD. Sometimes ADHD is called ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. ADD is an older name for ADHD.
Many parents and educational professionals confuse ADHD and LD. Is ADHD a form of LD? No. Each is distinctive neurologically-based disorder. Each is recognized and diagnosed differently. Each is treated in a different way. The treatment for ADHD will not correct an LD. The treatment for LD will not help ADHD. Of importance is that about 30 to 40% of individuals with LD will also have ADHD. Thus, if you find one problem it is important to look for the other.
Kids with ADHD can seem spaced out one minute but hyper-focused the next. Learn why this occurs — and how trouble with self-control is at the heart of this paradox.
