With all that is written about ADHD, most of us tend to think of a bad little lad running about ruining whatever comes his way. So we often believe that we can spot the child with ADD while we are out. Well the naughty little boy is there fine, but did we ever spare a thought about the little girl who sits quiet and withdrawn with her mother, one who is overtly polite, terribly afraid to speak out and draws a blank when spoken to? In all probabilities, everyone would fail to guess that she might be suffering from ADD or the Attention Deficit Disorder.
Difficult as they are, ADD and ADHD have some obvious symptoms too. The affected person suffers from distraction, easy forgetfulness and low self-esteem, faces problem in following fast conversations and gets highly disordered with tasks. ADD and ADHD both can retard mental growth in this that the affected child has to struggle with school work and assignment deadlines, failing to finish things on time. These disorders also rob the child off his/her ability to manage the belongings and to keep track of time.
ADD Symptoms:
• Lacks vigor, suffers from sloth • Values others more, respecting their individual limits • Often unassertive or under-assertive • Too much obedience • Excessive humbleness and modesty • Overtly polite and shy • Avoiding crowd, preferring to stay alone and socially withdrawn • Not able to open up easily and befriend, although they make a few bonds
Since it is assumed that girls are generally shy, people often overlook the ADD symptoms in them and they are left untreated. Their outward calm, quiet and politeness are usually to cover up the inner disturbance. ADD affected girls are emotional and highly sensitive to criticism; but the feelings invoked thus, after being criticized, remain untold. They just carry on with life, struggling silently. Interestingly enough, their ADHD counterparts move forward with absolutely no sign of stress or fatigue and seem totally unaffected by all deterrents in the walk of life. Girls suffering from ADD cannot withstand stress and usually draw back more into a shell with a belief that they are good-for-nothing and can never do anything right.
All ADD affected girls are predominantly emotional, irrespective of their nature�"be it shy, social, introvert, hyperactive or super-impulsive. This over-sensitivity evidently invites regular upsets which, in turn, give rise to more and more stress. Hence, they should be taught to manage stress through various techniques from an early age. They must also be ascribed a certain revival time to regroup or collect themselves after every damage or emotional upset.
Although it is true that parents always wish the best for their children, they sometimes, unknowingly, impede mental growth in their kids by hurling too much criticism at them or by driving them mad with a series of never-ending do’s and don’ts like “You must not be so silly. You got to finish school with high grades", “You need to improve your looks. Try and be as smart as your brother", “You should be a little more assertive. This won’t help", “why do you let yourself be taken for granted? Wake up", “Make more friends", “Do not let go off things so easily" so on and so forth. While all these are fine at times, too much of criticism breeds low self-esteem in her�"be she shy, outspoken, drawn-back or unruly!
At school, throughout the day, the confidence and self-regard of these girls are constantly shattered and their only respite is at home, where they can rebuild their crushed dignity and revitalize themselves to fight another day. Continuous criticism roots in them the belief that they are worthless. These girls suffering from ADD become extremely impulsive, disorganized and lack focus in everything only to secure poor grades in class. Full of distractions, these girls lack the vigor and energy to develop their personality and skill sets that their peers have. Instead of pointing at their limitations, it is better to compliment them or appreciate when they pick up a skill or show signs of a good ability. Their psyche just needs a positive boost. And it’s not hard to make them feel good�"an ADD-affected girl can easily get lucky and find interest in some activity. That then becomes the first positive move, the most desired turning point in their lives!
For further information on ADHD. please check it out at www.adhdhelpguide.com
About the Author Peony Wong is a therapist that has been dealing with children from age 3-15 who are facing ADHD. Currently, she is doing her research and development on the human behavior aspects for people of all ages. Many case studies and researches on real life have been tested and conducted using the psychology therapist approach to assist those who are facing such issue to counter and reduce the gravity of ADHD naturally.
Though it is not known why autism, attention deficit disorder, as well as other autism spectrum conditions have become increasingly common, their instances have continued to rise substantially over the past few decades. The controversy surrounding this issue is currently escalating as quickly as the rate of instances. Another challenge is the diagnosis ? and misdiagnosis ? of these conditions, leading to common autism attention deficit confusion.
The term ?autism? covers a broad range of conditions and symptoms ranging dramatically in their severity, causing it to frequently be referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD includes autism itself, Asperger's syndrome, as well as other pervasive developmental disorders. It does not, however, include attention deficit disorder (ADD) nor attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Nevertheless, the autism attention deficit confusion remains due to the similarity frequently witnessed in the symptoms of each condition. As there is no single specified group of symptoms that occurs in every instance of either autism or attention deficit disorder it can make them hard to diagnose, especially for the lay person.
The key to making sure that the right diagnosis is achieved, and that autism and attention deficit confusion is avoided, is to understand the signs and symptoms of both disorders. Self-education is a parent's best tool for understanding what he or she is and is not facing in their child.
Both conditions will present in the same way at the beginning, both socially and biologically. Both conditions include a lacking in the executive functions (planning, decision-making and response control) within the brain's frontal lobes, and have a number of shared symptoms. Even autism and attention deficit disorder research have similarities in the behaviors and behavioral processes that are studied and believed to be linked to impairments in brain functioning. Furthermore, both conditions include a form of deficiency in both fine and gross motor skills.
However, despite these commonalities in symptoms, autism and ADD confusion is just that ? a confusion between two entirely different disorders. That being said, when ADD and ADHD are diagnosed, doctors will not routinely screen for autism. The onus is placed upon parents, teachers, and other caregivers to observe behaviors that deviate from ADD, and to identify a narrower perspective with regards to the child's behavioral issues.
Should misdiagnosis be suspected, it is wise for parents to familiarize themselves with the various behaviors common to both autism and ADD and then to recognize the differences.
Behaviors frequently seen in autistic children include:
- Difficulty socializing with other children the same or different ages.
- Difficulty socializing with adults
- Lack of fear of danger
- Tantrums - showing large degrees of distress for no clear reason
- Inappropriate laughing
- Dislike of cuddling
- Little to no eye contact made
- Notable physical over- or under-activity
- Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills
- Impulsive working habits with frequent sloppiness and careless mistakes
On the other hand, behaviors frequently seen in children with ADD or ADHD include:
- Inability to speak or play quietly; disruptive in speech or behaviors
- Struggles to wait his or her turn in a game, line, or other similar activity
- Takes part in activities with a high risk of danger
- A lack of normal consideration for caution or consequences
- Extreme temper tantrums
- Disruptive, interrupting, speaking and behaving inappropriately
- Difficulty being held or soothed when very young
- Always active and moving, even while asleep
- Doesn't appear to be listening when directly spoken to
- Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills
- Doesn't pay attention to finder details and makes careless mistakes in tasks
With these lists of symptoms, it is clear to see why misdiagnosis and autism attention deficit confusion is so common. Vigilance and education are the keys to overcoming these errors.
Both Dr. Peony Wong & Rachel Evans are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr. Peony Wong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Disease & illness, ADHD. Peony is a therapist that has been dealing with children from age 3-15 who are facing AHDH. Currently, she is doing her research and development on the human behavior aspects for people of all ages.. Dr. Peony Wong's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
Rachel Evans has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dental Practice, Autism and Education. Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out more about. Rachel Evans's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.