Research and Articles
Research & Articles: Attention Deficit
Disorder
Gretchen May
Extension Educator 4-H Youth and Family Development
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Cooperative Extension
Approximately 2 million school-age children, or 3-5%, have Attention Deficit
Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The diagnosis of ADD is based on information from a wide variety of sources,
including parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals. The
list below, established by the American Psychiatric Association, gives the
characteristics that a child must exhibit for at least six months beginning
before the age of seven. Since ADD often coexists with other childhood disorders,
a complete assessment includes an evaluation of the child's medical, psychological,
educational, and behavioral functioning. A detailed history, including medical,
family, psychological, developmental, social, and educational factors, is essential
to establish a diagnosis. Standardized behavior rating scales are essential
to assess how the child functions in a variety of settings including home and
school.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ADD
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Has difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.
3. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
4. Has difficulty awaiting turns in games or group situations.
5. Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed.
6. Has difficulty following through on instructions from others.
7. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
8. Often shifts from one uncompleted activity to another.
9. Has difficulty playing quietly.
10. Often talks excessively.
11. Often interrupts or intrudes on others, e.g. butts into other children's
games.
12. Often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her.
13. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities at home or at school,
e.g. toys, pencils, books.
14. Often engages in physically dangerous activities without considering possible
consequences, e.g. runs into street without looking.
No one knows for certain what causes ADD. Evidence suggests that a chemical
imbalance in certain neurotransmitters may be the cause of the problem.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health showed differences
in brain metabolism between ADD and non-ADD adults. Brain metabolism was
abnormally low in the ADD adults, and it was low in the parts of the brain
that are important for attention, handwriting, motor control, and inhibiting
responses. Evidence also suggests ADD is frequently the result of heredity
and, less frequently, the result of pregnancy and birth complications, acquired
brain damage, toxins, and infections. There is little evidence that ADD
can result from social or environmental factors, diet, or poor parental
management.
Best results are obtained when medication, behavior management programs, educational
intervention, parent training, and counseling (when needed) are used together
to help the child with ADD. Parents of children with ADD play the key role
in coordinating these services. Caregivers can play an essential role in helping
the child with ADD within the day care setting. Adjustments in day care procedures
and work demands, sensitivity to self-esteem issues, and frequent parent contact
can make the critical difference for these children.
ADD is often a life-long disorder requiring life-long interventions. Families,
and the children themselves, need continued support and understanding. By recognizing
the disorder early and taking steps to assist the child with ADD and his family,
many negative outcomes commonly experienced by the child can be avoided or
minimized. Protecting self-esteem and avoiding a chronic pattern of frustration,
discouragement, and failure are of greatest importance.
Researchers have found that parents and caregivers can reinforce a child's
compliance to directions or requests by using time-outs for non-compliance.
Children with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D.) is a non-profit, parent-based
organization providing support to families of children with attention deficit
disorders and information to professionals. CH.A.D.D.
maintains chapters nationwide to provide support for children, adolescents,
and adults with ADD. To locate the chapter nearest you, contact a school psychologist
at a local public school or ask a pediatrician.
DOCUMENT USE/COPYRIGHT
National Network
for Child Care - NNCC. Part of CYFERNET,
the National Extension Service Children Youth and Family Educational
Research Network. Permission is granted to reproduce these materials
in whole or in part for educational purposes only (not for profit
beyond the cost of reproduction) provided that the author and
Network receive acknowledgment and this notice is included:
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care -
NNCC. (1993). Attention deficit disorder. In M. Lopes (Ed.) CareGiver
News (March, p.1). Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Cooperative
Extension.
Any additions or changes to these materials must be preapproved by the
author.
COPYRIGHT PERMISSION ACCESS
Gretchen May
Draper Hall
Univeristy of Massachusetts
40 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9244
VOICE: 413-577-0332
FAX: 413-545-1002
E-MAIL: gmay@umext.umass.edu
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