Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Fast Facts: ADD
- Three to four times more boys are diagnosed with ADD than girls.
- While children with ADD are more likely to turn to drugs, there is a correlation between early treatment and lower drug use.
- As many as 5% of children have ADD
- ADD kids often have above average intelligence.
What is ADD?
Attention Deficit Disorder has two main types. One of the types manifests inattentiveness and the other hyperactive or impulsive behavior (ADHD). Sometimes children will exhibit both types of symptoms.
What causes ADD?
Genetics appear to play a role in the cause of ADD. A substantial percentage (between 30to 40 percent) of those diagnosed as ADHD have family relations that are also ADD. ADD may be the result of an inherited inability to organize and control some patterns of thoughtand behavior. Ongoing research is under way to learn more about potential causes.
How do you know when someone has ADD?
In order to be diagnosed as ADD, a child must:
- Have multiple symptoms from the list below
- Normal ability to function must be impaired
- Symptoms must be manifest in two different settings (for example, at home and at school)
- Duration of impairment must be at least six months
- Symptoms must be present by age 7
Symptoms for an inattentive child include:
- Failure to complete tasks or homework
- Difficulty in following instructions
- Difficulty in staying on task
- Loses things
- Forgetful
- Easily distracted or has difficult time listening
- Poor attention to detail, makes careless mistakes, or is disorganized
What can happen to people suffering from ADD?
ADD is very treatable with most children. Therapy and education help children with ADD and their parents to live fairly normal and productive lives while improving family relationships. Medication can also be an important component in helping children with ADD.
How CERTS helps those with ADD
CERTS therapists have experience in successfully treating individuals with ADD through appropriate medication, psychotherapy, and education. This is all part ofthe CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy, experiential therapy,and education, with appropriate medical care.
Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities have also proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem and encourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize. To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, please contact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.
Learn More About ADD Here:
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Kid's Health
Parent Education Center