What is ADD?

What is ADD?? Depending on the authority, what decade, and where in the country and the world you are, the definition could be different!

As we understand it, AD(H)D is a specific group of behavior disorders, with the base line that certain chemicals in the brain are at a different level than the same chemicals in the brain of someone without AD(H)D. Not everyone is hyperactive who has ADD, hence the H.

AD(H)D is not something discovered in only the last few years. It was noted as early as 1902, and observed even then to be biological in origin, rather than a matter of poor upbringing!

Recently the debate has intensified as to the cause and treatment and AD(H)D. Are more boys than girls affected? Is it outgrown in the teen years? Is it a disability? Is it a fad? Is it something created by drug companies? In order: no, maybe, maybe, no no.

The American Psychiatric Association Manual's DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth revision) offers a set of general symptoms for AD(H)D including:

Inattention Impulsivity Hyperactivity Distractibility

About one third of the 15 million Americans who have been diagnosed with ADD will outgrow it. The rest may develop coping mechanisms and their ADD will not be as apparent as it was in their childhood. However, it is still a factor in their makeup and behavior.

It is not a learning disability, but a learning difference. There is a decided space between these two: with a learning disability, the person has an incredible struggle to grasp whatever is being taught. With a learning difference, the person may struggle if the material is only presented visually, or orally, but will grasp it quickly , with comprehension, if the material is presented in a fashion that allows the student to experience the material or touch it.

For example, Susie couldn't do second grade math, no matter how hard she studied, drilled with her parents, did flash cards, and recited the tables. It just didn't stick! However, once a teacher gave her an abacus with bright beads to work the problems, she flew through the tests and questions!

The Good News: yes, there's quite a bit of good news! ADD is becoming better understood, especially in the adult population. There is still a diagnostic gap; males have an average age of 7 for diagnosis while females have an average age of 36. But the diagnoses are being made.

Physicians and other medical professionals are recognizing the ADD patient as someone of HIGH intelligence, with an imbalance that will readily respond to help, either medication, coaching, and/or therapy.

Coaching concentrates on the here and now, developing systems to tone down the mental and physical 'scatter', thereby improving the quality of life for the client. It offers a checkpoint as the individual re-forms her or his attitude and skills.

For more information on AD(H)D, please check some of the other links, or contact me at (715) 693-8801 or e-mail me at krispaige@mac.com

I currently do not have a reliable phone, so please either email me or write to me at
Kris Paige
721 Weaverbird Way
Livermore, CO 80536