ADD Student

Archive for August, 2007

No. Attention Deficit Disorder is not something that can be outgrown. A person who has ADD as a child will have it as an adult.

What often happens is that as a child grows and matures, he learns to manage his ADD symptoms more effectively, thus making it seem as though he has outgrown it.

This does not mean that adults don’t have ADD or that they don’t struggle with it’s symptoms. Many people with Attention Deficit Disorder have learned to manage it by the time they reach adulthood, but may find that changes or complications in their lifestyles will aggravate their symptoms.

There are a variety of treatment options available to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is important to note, however, that treatment is used to manage the symptoms of ADD. A person who has ADD will always have it, although with time and treatment, they can learn to manage the symptoms more effectively.

Some of the most common methods for treating ADD symptoms are:

• Medication. There are a variety of medications available that help manage distractability, the inability to focus, hyperactive behavior, and other symptoms of ADD.
• ADD Coaching. An ADD Coach can help a person with ADD learn new tips and techniques and develop new habits that will help manage ADD symptoms more effectively. An ADD Coach can also help a person with ADD see where and how Attention Deficit Disorder is affecting their lives, and give them support and encouragement in making needed changes. Studies have shown that a combination of medication and ADD coaching is the most effective means of managing ADD.
• Diet. Eating a diet of healthy, natural foods, with as little chemicals and additives as possible helps lessen ADD symptoms for many people. Recently there have also been claims that a gluten and/or casein free diet has positive effects on ADD.
• Sleep. Getting a proper night’s sleep, especially on a regular basis, can help lessen ADD symptoms.
• Exercise. A regular exercise routine, especially one that includes a cardio workout, can not only improve ADD symptoms, but can do so for an extended length of time.

Sometimes a parent suspects that their child has Attention Deficit Disorder, and sometimes the school brings the matter up. Either way, you need to find out for sure so that you can take further action, and that means a diagnosis by a qualified professional.

Following is a list of professionals qualified to make such a diagnosis. I have ordered them by preference; I think that in general you will get the best, most comprehensive evaluation from a psychiatrist, then a psychologist, etc. Above all, choose someone who specializes in Attention Deficit Disorder.

1. Psychiatrists
2. Psychologists
3. Neurologists
4. Pediatricians or family doctors
5. Clinical social workers

Teachers are not qualified to make a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.