Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis – The Definitions
What is Child Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)?
Actually, it depends on whom you ask. The medical/pharmaceutical industry says it's a physiological condition that responds well to drugs. Psychologists says it's a behavioral disorder that responds well to some combination of medication, counseling, or coaching. The educational industry says it's a condition that causes disruption in "normal" classrooms, and is best treated by separating the student into special education classes. We acknowledge that in some cases, each of these perspectives may be partially correct, and their solutions may have some benefits. However, attention is a skill and, like other cognitive skills, it has trainable components. In fact, attention can be subdivided into three separate but related skills: sustained attention (staying on task), selective attention (avoiding distractions), and divided attention (attending to multiple tasks). These skills are more than behavior traits. Students can actually become better "attenders" through intense, specific drills designed to challenge their attention weaknesses.
Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis – The Controversy
What is the Truth About ADD and AD/HD?
A whole host of scientific, psychological, and medical opinions exists concerning the exact cause and definition of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Definite criteria have been adopted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to diagnose the condition. This criterion is not really a diagnosis, but rather a behavior rating system to classify students so they can receive treatment from one of the industries above. A more practical definition faced by adults with ADD and parents of students with Child Attention Deficit Disorder is as follows:
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A person suffering from ADD finds it difficult or impossible to attend, stay on task, remain undistracted, and concentrate sufficiently to complete schoolwork or other assignments in a timely and successful manner.
Child Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is more frequently diagnosed when children are between the ages of 6 and 12. This is when they enter school. In this more structured and demanding environment, a certain capacity to attend is expected. It is also at this time that students' academic achievement begins to be measured.
Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis
What Does an ADD or AD/HD Diagnosis Mean?
If you are facing the shock of a ADD diagnosis, don't despair. There are many possible causes for the ADD and AD/HD symptoms. Genetics, environmental stress, diet, physical issues, and cognitive weaknesses can all play a part. The pervasive treatment choices of medication and/or special education programs are not the only effective options you have. A review of diet patterns and stress levels at home can suggest simple changes that can make a difference. One powerful option that should be checked out is cognitive testing and training. Cognitive skills are the underlying mental skills everyone uses to listen, read, attend, remember, associate, process information, and plan. Weaknesses in these skills translate directly into difficulty and frustration in school, work, and home. If a student has weak cognitive skills, the resulting difficulty and frustration is often interpreted as ADD behavior. LearningRx offers effective cognitive skills training that can limit or end the frustration by making learning easier and faster.
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