| The signs of Attention Deficit Disorder may or | | | | exhibit impulsive behavior that does not show |
| may not be incredibly apparent. Because of the | | | | signs of hyperactivity, such as blurting out |
| intricacies of this disorder and the variations from | | | | answers in a classroom setting. |
| child to child, diagnosis may prove to be a difficult | | | | Children with Attention Deficit Disorder seem to |
| process. | | | | be wired in to everything that is happening around |
| The first step is understanding that hyperactivity | | | | them. In some ways, they are hypersensitive to |
| is not synonymous with Attention Deficit Disorder. | | | | their surroundings and can not concentrate with |
| While a child may exhibit an increased level of | | | | typical distractions. While they do not have |
| activity with this disorder, it is not an inherent | | | | difficulties learning, they may very likely rank poor |
| factor of ADD. | | | | academically because of their inability to stay on |
| On the other hand, there are certain | | | | task and complete assignments. |
| characteristics that are prevalent in a child with | | | | Boys and girls tend to behave differently with |
| ADD, such as inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and | | | | ADD. While both genders will typically be |
| being easily distracted. | | | | hypersensitive to sight, sounds, and physical |
| Inattentiveness and distractibility go hand and | | | | stimuli, boys tend to be more hyperactive and |
| hand. A child with ADD may have a difficult time | | | | girls more inattentive. They also both seem to |
| staying on task, completing activities, and paying | | | | become unmanageable and unruly with |
| attention to details. While these may seem | | | | overstimulation, sometimes to the point of |
| common traits among children, an ADD child will | | | | aggressiveness and abusiveness. This is of |
| exhibit extreme behavior more so than children of | | | | particular importance to parents of a child with |
| the same age. They must also exhibit these | | | | ADD, as these prove to be more difficult times |
| behaviors for extended periods of time, more | | | | of control. |
| than six months, and the behavior must | | | | It is important, however, to understand that all |
| significantly hinder a child's ability to function in day | | | | children are different. No two children will behave |
| to day activities. | | | | exactly the same in any given circumstance. Just |
| Impulsiveness also is a common trait among | | | | because your child behaves more aggressively |
| children with ADD. Often paired with hyperactivity, | | | | than other children, does not necessarily mean |
| a child may suddenly bolt from their chair to | | | | they have ADD. Diagnosis from a physician or |
| observe what is taking place across the | | | | specialist is necessary to determine if Attention |
| classroom. On the other hand, a child may also | | | | Deficit Disorder is present. |