ADD / ADHD

NorthPoint ADD / ADHD / OCD (Chronic Behavior Challenges) counseling is designed to individuals (children and adults) a place to process feelings and develop strategies for dealing with the effects of one's behavior challenges. NorthPoint incorporates both cognitive and behavioral therapies which are proven to be an effective method to manage behaviors.

Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder

It's normal for children to occasionally forget their homework, daydream during class, act without thinking, or get fidgety at the dinner table. But inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are also signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). ADD/ADHD can lead to problems at home and school, and affect your child's ability to learn and get along with others. It's important for you to be able to spot the signs and symptoms, and get help if you see them in your child.¹

What is ADD / ADHD?

We all know kids who can't sit still, who never seem to listen, who don't follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have ADD/ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. You may know it by the name attention deficit disorder, or ADD. ADD/ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech and attentiveness.

The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal "kid behavior." If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it's probably not ADD/ADHD. On the other hand, if your child shows a number of ADD/ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations at home, at school, and at play¾it's time to take a closer look. Once you understand the issues your child is struggling with, such as forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention in school, you can work together to find creative solutions and capitalize on strengths. The bottom line: you don't have to wait for a diagnosis or rely on a medical professional to help your child.¹

Signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But this is not the only possible picture. Some children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away. Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive.

The three primary characteristics of ADD/ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depends on which characteristics predominate. Children with ADD/ADHD may be:

Which one of these children may have ADD/ADHD?

A. The hyperactive boy who talks nonstop and can't sit still.
B. The quiet dreamer who sits at her desk and stares off into space.
C. Both A and B

The correct answer is "C."

Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive.
Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention.
Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD).

Children who only have inattentive symptoms of ADD/ADHD are often overlooked, since they're not disruptive. However, the symptoms of inattention have consequences: getting in hot water with parents and teachers for not following directions; underperforming in school; or clashing with other kids over not playing by the rules.¹

Inattentive signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

Symptoms of inattention in children:

Doesn't pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes
Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
Appears not to listen when spoken to
Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

Children with ADD/ADHD can pay attention when they're doing things they enjoy or hearing about topics they enjoy. But when the task is repetitive or boring, they quickly tune out.

Not paying close enough attention is another common problem. Children with ADD/ADHD often bounce from task to task without completing any of them, or skip necessary steps in procedures. Organizing their schoolwork and their time is harder for them than it is for most children. Kids with ADD/ADHD also have trouble concentrating if there are things going on around them; they usually need a calm, quiet environment in order to sustain attention.¹

Hyperactive signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

Symptoms of hyperactivity in children:

Constantly fidgets and squirms
Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
Moves around constantly, often running or climbing inappropriately
Talks excessively, has difficulty playing quietly
Is always "on the go," as if driven by a motor

The most obvious sign of ADD/ADHD is hyperactivity. While many children are naturally quite active, kids with hyperactive symptoms of attention deficit disorder are always moving.

They may try to do several things at once, bouncing around from one activity to the next. Even when forced to sit still – which can be very difficult for them – their foot is tapping, their leg is shaking, or their fingers are drumming.¹

Impulsivity signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

Symptoms of impulsivity in children:

Blurts out answers without waiting to be called on hear the whole question
Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Often interrupts others
Intrudes on other people's conversations or games
Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums

The impulsivity of children with ADD/ADHD can cause problems with self-control. Because they censor themselves less than other kids do, they'll interrupt conversations, invade other people's space, ask irrelevant questions in class, make tactless observations, and ask overly personal questions.

Children with impulsive signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD also tend to be moody and to overreact emotionally. As a result, others may start to view the child as disrespectful, weird, or needy.¹

Helping a child with ADD / ADHD

Whether or not your child's symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity are due to ADD/ADHD, they can cause many problems if left untreated. Children who can't focus and control themselves may struggle in school, get into frequent trouble, and find it hard to get along with others or make friends. These frustrations and difficulties can lead to low self-esteem – as well as friction and stress for the whole family.

But treatment can make a dramatic difference in your child's symptoms. With the right support, your child can get on track for success in all areas of life.¹

¹ helpguide.org