Resources

         Kelly, D., Forney, J., Parker-Fisher, S., & Jones, M. (1993). The challenge of attention deficit disorder in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. American Annals of the Deaf, 138 (4), 343-348.

         Sacks, B. (1999). Attention-deficit disorders in preschool children. [Online]. Available: http://members.aol.com/addcenter/preschoo.htm

        (1999). Behavior and emotions: Understanding AD/HD. [Online]. Available: http://www.ama-assn.org/insight/h_focus/nemours/behavior/adhd.htm
 
 
 

Synthesis of information

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is characterized by "inattentiveness, distractibility and impulsivity" according to Kelly, Forney, Parker-Fisher and Jones (1993).  Children with this disorder lose things easily, make careless mistakes, do not pay attention to detail and are easily distracted by noises and visual stimulation.  ADHD is attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.  Often children with this disorder are unable to sit still, are running or squirming and feel restless.  They are described as having "inappropriate levels of activity" (Web Site: "Understanding AD/HD").  Children with AD/HD understand what they are supposed to do, but often can't do it because they are unable to focus or become distracted.  Infants who are "at risk" for developing ADD are described as "difficult" babies.  According to Bracha Sacks (1999), Psy.D. they may "sleep very little, cry a lot, and are sensitive to changes in the environment" (Web Site: "Attention-Deficit Disorders in Preschool Children").  She also states that they may take a long time to warm up to new situations, wanting to always sleep in the same place, eat the same foods and play with the same toys.  AD/HD is usually not diagnosed until these symptoms have been consistent in a child for six months to one year and "the symptoms must appear before age 7" (Web Site: "Understanding AD/HD").
 
 

Insights

AD/HD is becoming a very common disorder among school children.  We are seeing more and more children medicated to treat this disorder.  In researching this topic I found that not all symptoms may be present in one child, they may vary from child to child.  There are also many ways to manage this disorder if it is determined that medication is not the best treatment.  I did not realize that it was possible to "predict" whether or not an infant would develop ADD, but it is important to understand that many other factors may cause these characteristics in infants and not to jump to a conclusion that the child has ADD.  I was surprised at how much information is available about ADD.
 
 

Bibliography

        Loechler, K. (1999). Frequently asked questions about ADHD and the answers from the internet. The Council For Exceptional Children: Teaching Exceptional Children, 31, (6), 28-31.

        Taylor, J. (1994). Helping your hyperactive/attention deficit child. (Rev. 2nd ed.). California: Prima Publishing.
 
 
 

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