Diagnosing Attention Deficit Disorder Signs
More and more children are being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder these days. This condition seems to be more prevalent in boys of at least four years of age. There are several attention deficit disorder signs that could lead to a diagnosis. On paper, they are fairly easy to spot, but there are some difficulties that should be considered.
Types And Symptoms
There are generally two different categories of attention deficit disorder signs. They are inattention and hyperactivity. A child may have symptoms in one or both categories. If a child has trouble paying attention while performing simple tasks or carrying out basic instructions, this is an example of the inattention type. This is also characterized by a lack of focus or interest for any length of time. Children who exhibit this type of attention deficit disorder signs will also be very easily distracted no matter what they are doing.
The second category of attention deficit disorder signs will show up a bit differently. A child will be very restless and unable to sit still for any length of time. They may also talk constantly, as if only to hear themselves speak. A child with this type of ADD may also be unnecessarily loud and disruptive. It may also affect the children around them as they will try to distract them as well. These children seem unable to sit and play quietly as most children can.
Problems
The problem with using these attention deficit disorder signs to make a diagnosis is that they are the same behaviors that almost every child displays, at one time or another. Anyone who gas children can tell you that, at times, they are all hyper and lack focus or attention. Many parents will wonder what are the symptoms of attention deficit disorder, and how do they differ from normal child behavior.
The difference is in the severity and the duration of the symptoms. Even though all children will display these behaviors at some time, they will be short lived in most cases. Attention deficit disorder signs are ones that are long lasting or constant. They will also be more exaggerated than normal child behavior.
Another indicator that there may be a problem is school performance. Teachers are often the first ones that notice that a problem exists. If the child is falling behind, and not completing assignments, it could be that they are experiencing attention deficit disorder. In addition to this, there are tests that your doctor can do to achieve a proper diagnosis as well.
