Your Questions, My Answers

Attention deficit disorder

When a visitor sends me a question of general interest, I will share that information with all visitors. In the interest of privacy, no names will be revealed here without the permission of the person who asked the question.

To ask a question, click here!

Julie Loe

Question: I need to know if you have a check list if you suspect your child has ADD. What are the symptoms? Thank you!

I do not have a "check list" for ADD, attention deficit disorder.

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD are described as follows:

	Symptoms causing impairment are present before age 7 years
	Impairment from symptoms are present in at least 2 setting
	Must be clear evidence of clinical impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning
	Symptoms do not occur due to another impairment

Inattention: At least 6 of the following symptoms for at least 6 months

	Fails to give close attention to details, makes careless mistakes
	Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
	Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
	Foes not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks
	Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
	Avoids, dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
	Loses things
	Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
	Forgetful in daily activities

Developmental Profile of Children

Infancy:

	Difficult temperament
	Irregular sleep patterns
	Obstinate picky eaters
	Negative parent child relationship

Preschoolers:

	High "nuisance value"
	Higher percentage of speech and language problems
	Difficulties with : communication skills
	Changing from tactile to visual strategies
	Covert speech (internal conversations)
	Impulsive, non compliant, fearless
	Irregular behavior, poor judgement
	Poorly developed social skills
	Aggressive behavior

Source: Goldstein and Goldstein 1990

I hope this is good information for you .

For more information the following resources are recommended

	Beyond Ritalin, Stehpen W. Garber, Ph.D. and Robyn Freedman Spizman
	Help, the Kid's Driving Me Crazy! , L Adkins & J. Cady
	Attention Deficit Disorder Elaine K. McEwan
	The A.D.D Book, William Sears, M.D. & Lynda Thompson, Ph.D.
	Maybe You Know My Kid, Second Edition, Mary Fowler

Available now at Amazon.com.

Unable to find what you're looking for? Search the entire site to find information about any subject we have information on. Instructions: Type a word or words into the form below and press the Search button. You may use "quotation marks" to search for a phrase. Adding a plus sign (+) before a word or phrase will require its presence; adding a minus sign (-) before a word or phrase will require its absence.

Home • Parents' Corner • Parents' Corner Archive • Professional Corner • Professional Corner Archive • Case in Progress • Case in Progress Archive • Inspirational Messages • Inspirational Messages Archive • Direct Services • Consulting • Seminars, Workshops, and More • Special Events • Recommended Reading • Recommended Reading for Children • Ask the Experts • News Flash • Current Question and Answer • Understanding the Lingo • About the Team • Testimonials • Fees, Location, and Details • Typical Development: Makenna • Typical Development: Lacey • Resources • PrivacyStatement • Confidentiality