When a teacher sees a student constantly squirming in his or her chair, that teacher has reason to suspect that the student might well have ADD. She might ask the student’s parents, if their child has difficult waiting for something to take place. Does he or she repeatedly say “Are we there yet?” during a long trip? Depending on the parents’ answers, the child might be tested for ATDD.
A child or adult with ADD is often forgetful or absent-minded. A parent might, for example, put an assignment into the child’s backpack, only to discover that the teacher never got the assignment. The student simply forgot the fact that his or her parent had told the son or daughter to retrieve the assignment from the back pack.
When a child has ADD, a parent may find it hard to assign that child a series of chores. The child usually finds it almost impossible to stick with any one task until it is completed. The child can not attack a series of tasks in an organized and fruitful manner.
A child with ADD often displays problems with time management. The child leaves a number of things undone, because he or she can not pursue a focused activity. Sometimes too, a child with ADD finds it difficult to handle simple problem solving.
A child with ADD might exhibit repeated mood swings. He or she could well “explode,” following the least provocation. Such behavior is often accentuated by another group of symptoms.
A child with ADD is often impulsive. He or she might be guilty of making a series of “unwise” decisions. Sometimes even decisions regarding friends are made without much forethought. A child with ADD might thus begin and end a long series of relationships.
Sometimes, a child with ADD appears rather “clumsy.” He or she might exhibit a poor sense of direction. This becomes most apparent whenever he or she enters new surroundings.
Some developmental specialists would add “immaturity” to this list. This is not a symptom one can easily identify. Sometimes a child is not in a position where he or she can afford to act immaturely. Such a child then grows up quickly.
All of the above behaviors are manifest in actions, often actions taken during school hours. In that case, a teacher might ask to see a child’s parents. The teacher would want to acquaint them with Attention Deficit Disorder.
If a parent also happens to have Attention Deficit Disorder, he or she might find that the teacher’s complaints mirror complaints made by a spouse. Those who observe the symptoms listed above should encourage the family members to examine the available treatment options. Adults, those who have already overcome ADD, might refuse to pursue each and every option. They might hesitate to try any sort of medication.