This is a question that is on the minds of many parents these days. We receive reports of our child's misbehaving at school and wonder if we have a problem child or is it something more, like ADHD or ADD. Currently there are no real testing procedures to determine if your child has ADHD/ADD beyond a reasonable doubt. Below are some of the more recognizable behavior traits of children believed to be stricken with ADHD/ADD based on behavioral observations. Your child is easily distracted by sounds, and otheractivities going on in the environment around them. They regularly lose track of time. He/she has difficulty in following instructions and fully completing goals or tasks, even if they have the desire to do so. Your child often loses possessions or forgets appointments. They ignore chores and tasks at hand. He/she forgets what has been recently taught to them. Your child often seems like they are not listening to you. They have a short attention span. He/she has a tendency to daydream. So, if your child posses some or all of the behavioral traits listed above, does that mean that he/she has ADHD or ADD? Probably not...only your medical professional can perform an extensive battery of tests to make the best determination. But, before you involve your child in all of that, a closer examination of your child's behavior is necessary. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD? Children with ADD tend to exhibit the following traits: Sluggish Honors other's boundaries Obedient Under-assertive Overly Polite Docile Modest Shy Socially Withdrawn Bonds with others but doesn't attract friends Children with ADHD tend to exhibit the following traits: Physically Hyperactive Impulsive Intrusive Rebellious Bossy Irritation Show Off/Egotistical Attracts friends but doesn't easily bond More prone toward Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorders Again, at one time or another, most children occasionally exhibit some of these traits. But, if your child is consistently rebellious, defiant, sluggish and appears socially withdrawn, then a closer look at their health may be in-order...for your well-being as well as theirs! |
