It is estimated that 3-5% of children have ADD or ADHD, although some studies show it affects as many as 8% of school-aged children. Children affected can have problems paying attention, concentrating, difficulty following simple instructions, have a need to physically move their body and are very compulsive. Both attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can interfere with school functioning.

There are three main types of symptoms. Some children will have symptoms from all three categories called COMBINED. Some will have hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms but are able to pay attention. Those with ADD, do not suffer from hyperactivity.

1. INATTENTION

Children with inattention are easily distracted, can’t follow directions or finish tasks, appear not to listen, make careless mistakes, are forgetful about daily activities, have problems organizing tasks, avoid sitting still, lose things and tend to daydream.

2. HYPERACTIVITY

These children squirm, fidget or bounce, do not stay seated, have difficulty playing quietly, are always moving and talk excessively.

3. IMPULSIVITY

These children have a difficult time taking turn, blurt out answers, and often interrupt others.

ADD and ADHD are NOT caused by eating too much sugar, watching TV, having a poor home life or food allergies. Studies do show that these disorders can be caused by the following:

Heredity: It tends to run in families

Chemical Imbalance

Altered Brain Function: Brain scans reveal differences in the structure and brain activity.

Neo-Natel Activities: Maternal smoking, drug use, and pre-maturity all increase the risk.

Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins including lead and PCB’s.

Children with ADD and ADHD are at higher risk for developing oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities and Tourette’s syndrome. They are also at higher risk to try drugs and alcohol in order to self medicate their symptoms. 50% of children will continue to struggle with this disorder into adulthood.

TREATMENT:

ADD and ADHD are more common in boys and are considered childhood developmental disorders. Medication and behavior therapy may be recommended. Stimulants are often used in children but they can have mild to serious side effects including decreased appetite, weight loss, sleeping problems and irritability. All medications should be monitored by a doctor.

THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CHALLENGE:

A particular challenge for children with ADD and ADHD is that these disorders are not listed as one of the 13 categories of learning disabilities identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Parents are often rightly confused when their school tells them that their child does not qualify for special education when their doctor has told them their child has this disorder. This is because having ADD or ADHD is not an automatic entry into special education. If you feel your child’s ability to learn is being adversely affected, you should ask your school for a student study team (SST) meeting.

If the team determines that modifications are appropriate for your child, they can be implemented through a 504 plan. Section 504 states that any child with a disability that affects a major life activity, such as learning, is subject to appropriate accommodations or modifications. This includes ADD and ADHD.

If you believe that your child's disorder is severe enough to warrant a placement in special education, you should request a special education evlaution. Here, you can introduce medical documentation and support from your physician(s). The IEP team will review the results of the evaluation, hear from medical personnel as well as from school staff. If the team determines that your child’s ADD/ADHD is severe, your child can be found to qualify for special education under the category of “Other Health Impaired”.

PARENT TIP:

Children with special needs require structure. Structure does not refer to rigidity or iron discipline, but to arranging things so life is more predictable. A calm, organized routine makes children feel safe and tends to improve behavior.