ADHD, ADD and Attention Deficit Disorder all mean the same thing.

It's a condition that develops within some children in their early childhood years, but can continue into adulthood. ADD / ADHD can make it difficult for people to be able to control their behaviour, as well as various other symptoms.

SYMPTOMS:

The principal characteristics of ADD / ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

These symptoms appear early in a child's life. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just a "discipline problem," while the passive or sluggish child may be viewed as merely unmotivated. Yet, both may ADD / ADHD.

Because society has traditionally thought of a person with Attention Deficit Disorder as being "hyper," many sufferers of ADD / ADHD who have no hyperactivity are not being identified or helped. Individuals with ADD / ADHD without hyperactivity are sometimes thought of as day-dreamers or just being absent-minded.

Typically, sufferers have the following problems:

•  Following through on instructions
•  Paying attention appropriately to what they need to attend to
•  Seem not to listen
•  Be disorganized
•  Have poor handwriting
•  Miss details
•  Have trouble starting tasks or with tasks that require planning or long-term effort
•  Appear to be easily distracted or forgetful.

In addition, some people with ADD / ADHD can be fidgety, verbally impulsive, unable to wait their turn and act on impulse regardless of consequences.

Because many normal children may have these symptoms, but at a low level, or the symptoms may be caused by another disorder, it is important that the child receive a thorough examination and appropriate diagnosis by a well-qualified professional.

Additionally, because of the ability of an individual with ADD / ADHD to over-focus, or "hyper-focus" on something that is of great interest or highly stimulating, many untrained observers assume that this ability to concentrate negates the possibility of Attention Deficit Disorder being a concern. Especially when they see children able to pay attention while working one-on-one with someone, doing something they enjoy, or who can sit and play an electronic game or watch TV for hours on end.

Click here to read about the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment.