Help! My child has just been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD!! What do I need to Know?

1. Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without hyperactivity) is the most common childhood disorder that is referred to pediatricians, counselors, and guidance clinics in this country today. It can follow children into adulthood - causing problems with peers, careers, marriages, personal relationships and self-esteem. It is estimated that nearly 20 million children and adults in the United States have ADD or ADHD.

2. The cause of ADD/ADHD is still unknown, but there is a theory. Until the 1970's experts thought that it was caused by a brain injury before or after birth. But most recently it have become clear that this is not the root of the cause, but instead, it is a problem with certain chemicals within the brain - causing the messages from one part of the body to be misread and misunderstood.

3. Despite the great number of people afflicted with this disorder - teachers, pharmacists, guidance counselors, parents, physicians and other mental health professionals still do not - or they refuse to - understand. Due to their lack of compassion, awareness and knowledge - it makes it incredibly difficult for those who are dealing with ADD/ADHD.

4. ADD/ADHD effects every aspect of a person's life. Problems and obstacles may arise socially, emotionally, academically and personally. For example, they may suffer academically by failing test and coming to class unprepared, even though they have an average or above average intelligence. The ADD/ADHD person may slip behind in school due to his inattention, lack of focus, impulsivity, disorganization, distractibility and memory problems. Some people are nearly incapable of internal structure or organization, yet find it impossible to adapt to an external schedule or transition.

5. In childhood, more boys than girls will be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. At the present time, anywhere from 3 to 5% of all children have some form of ADHD or ADD. And of those children, 9 out of every 10 will be boys.

6. Hyperactivity MAY diminish after adolescence, but it is not guaranteed.

7. For an adult with untreated and undiagnosed ADD or ADHD - they symptoms may include: restlessness, easily distracted, becoming involved in a criminal activity, short-lived relationships, having difficulty sustaining attention, excessively talking, difficulty with concentration, impulsive, impatient, frequently moody, fails to finish high school or college, bores easily, hyperactive, depression, conduct disorders, substance abuse, fidgety, disorganized, easily loses track of time, career and relationship difficulties.

8. A significant percentage - perhaps as many as 50% - of children with ADD/ADHD are never properly diagnosed.

9. ADD/ADHD type symptoms and treatments have been around since 1902.

10. Treatment for this disorder does not only include medication. Other treatments include parent training in THEIR behavioral management and discipline techniques of their children; an educational program that will assist family or individual counseling, and outside organization and time structure.