Attention Deficit Disorder and Your Child

Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. symptoms include the following:
The child has a hard time focusing on the task at hand.
The child has a very hard time organizing.
The child is very forgetful or at least seems to be.

Examples of Attention Deficit Disorder Scenarios
Your child has homework and seems to have difficulty starting the homework. It seems like a never ending battle night after night to get his or her homework done. Your child may sit at the table, complaining that he or she does not know how to do it.

Help Suggestion
Every night have a routine called “homework time.” Sit down with your child every night at the same time at the kitchen table or desk where homework is done. Go over the directions with your child. Focus on one step at a time as too many directions can easily confuse the A.D.D. child. Let the child do the homework, but if he or she needs more help with the explanation of the directions, make sure you are readily available.

Your child seems messy and/or incapable of organizing his or her school satchel and room. Your child may have a hard time focusing on packing up his/her backpack the evening before school. You feel like a broken record having to tell your child to pack up.

Help Suggestion
You must be organized yourself. Start with your home, perhaps the kitchen, and start organizing the clutter. Clean and remove unwanted or unused items. Move to the living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. You will feel better yourself after this is done. Be an excellent example to teach your A.D.D. child how to be organized. Help your child develop a routine for his/her responsibilities this sense of organization can be carried into adulthood.

Forgetfulness is something that can be reduced with calendars and notes. Teach your child write reminders in a notebook. Have your child carry the notebook in his/her pocket and make a habit of referring to the notebook throughout the day.


Where to Get Help
Speak to your child’s teachers at school. The teachers and school psychologist may get started on testing your child. The teachers will fill out forms required for the evaluation. The next step is to make a doctor appointment so your child can be evaluated for A.D.D.

Summary
If you feel your child has A.D.D. symptoms please speak to your school teachers and family doctor.