How to Identify Attention Disorders

Discovering that your child has attention disorders is a struggle that many parents have to deal with. Don't feel alone - between 3-5% of school age children have been diagnosed with some sort of attention disorders, including Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This can be a frustrating situation for not only the parents, but for the child and teachers as well.



If you have an idea that that your child has one of the attention disorders, diagnosis has become easier to come by. For the parent, there are certain behaviors you should watch for. If you child shows these signs, there is a strong likelihood that he or she will be given a diagnosis and treatment.



Children with ADHD and ADD have problems not only in paying attention, but with controlling impulses as well. These are a few things that may indicate that your child has one of these attention disorders. Standards dictate that your child must experience at least six or more of these symptoms for six months. The symptoms must be outside of developmental levels, and it must be disruptive to the life of the child.



ADHD / Primarily Inattentive Type



* The child tends to make careless mistakes and doesn't pay attention to details.

* You have trouble keep them on task for work or play activities.

* The child seems "tuned out" when you speak directly to them.

* The child is not being oppositional, but frequently fails to follow through on chores or schoolwork.

This is not because child cannot understand the request.

* Easily distracted by things going on around them.

* Loses necessary items for activities.

* Avoids tasks that require extended mental effort (such as schoolwork).

* Child is forgetful in everyday activities, including home and school environments.

* The child struggles to organize activities.



ADHD - Primarily Hyperactive/Impulse Type



* Fidgets and squirms constantly.

* May have trouble remaining seated.

* Child may walk around or climb even when not appropriate.

* The child may not be able to engage with quiet activities such as games.

* Talks excessively.

* Child may blurt out answers and interrupt conversation.

* May not be able to wait or take turns.



While everyone has instances of these symptoms, diagnosing attention disorders requires that the individual has trouble functioning in a normal setting.



If your child has ADHD or ADD, don't think it's the end of the world. Fortunately, there have been many people ahead of you who have forged toward solutions. The best treatments for children who experience the frustrating situations that arise from attention disorders is a "multi-model" approach. This means that everyone gets involved in the treatment plan.



Parents must do their part with parental training and learn how to modify the behavior at home. This works best by using positive behavior intervention. There are many behavioral strategies that will help your child learn to control impulses and overcome attention disorders.



Parents will want to work closely with teachers so that both parents and teachers will know the methods that work best for each child. Some children simply need to have class work adjusted to function, while some children need to a special education classroom for certain subjects to get more individual attention.



Medication is also available, both stimulant and non stimulant. Medication should be a last resort when behavior modifications are not working, but this alternative can help with getting your child functioning at his full potential.



Raising a child with attention disorders is a challenge, to be sure. Even though you may not have realized the challenges or parenting a difficult child when you signed up, stay optimistic that you will find a way to communicate with your child and connect with them. This experience will ultimately help you learn things about yourself you never knew and will help you grow as a person and a parent.



Programs have been developed that are readily available now and they do not have to cost you a fortune to begin. Honest Parenting is a program that has proven results, designed by someone who has a deep experience in dealing with such problems.

Honest Parenting is an online program that can be downloaded instantly so you can begin to help your child today. It is also very affordable and will give you the answers that you have been looking for.

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