What Every Parent Should Know about Attention Deficit Disorder

Studies have estimated that as many as 4.4% of adults actually have some degree of Attention Deficit Disorder. Statistics show that people with this disorder are less likely to achieve academically and can have difficulty holding down long-term, full-time employment. Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is caused by problems in the brain's dopamine neurotransmitter systems. The theory that this condition can be caused by poor diet has been disproven. Neither is it the result of bad parenting. Genetics are the biggest cause with most cases of ADD inherited from parents. If a close family member or a parent has ADD then there is a 30% chance that a child will exhibit the same condition. The symptoms of ADD can generally be recognized in childhood. Children develop through three distinct stages. The first takes place when they are babies and they start to focus on an object such as a rattle or a mobile. The object will hold their attention for a period of time. The next stage will be familiar to parents of toddlers as this is when their attention is continuously shifting from one thing to another. If a child persists with this type of behaviour they're likely to be diagnosed with ADD. It's the during the third stage that children develop the ability to focus for longer periods of time and to shift that focus at will. This pattern of attention and concentration is what is required in classroom situations. One of the key aspects of ADD is not only that sufferers can't focus on something for very long. ADD sufferers can't choose what they are focusing on or what attracts their attention. This can become very apparent when a child with ADD is required to undertake a routine task. If they are required to wait then their attention can quickly be drawn to something else. What is happening is that their brain is not adequately stimulated to release neuro chemicals and so it looks for additional stimulus. For ADD sufferers this is a reflex reaction over which they have no control. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hopefully these notes will have provided some insight into what underpins Attention Deficit Disorder. Many forms of treatment exist, including drugs, but outdoor activity has been found to be therapeutic. Bushcraft courses can be a great way to learn about the outdoors at any time of year. Just make sure you are wrapped up in some warm outdoor clothing and you take along a good sleeping bag.

View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/what-every-parent-should-know-about-attention-deficit-disorder