Hyperactivity, Poor Attention Span May Indicate Attention Deficit Disorder - Health Tips

Hyperactivity, Poor Attention Span May Indicate Attention Deficit Disorder

Approximately three to five percent of children in the United States have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). A child with ADD will consistently display specific behavior over a period of time, such as lack of concentration on activities at home and school, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions.

One way to tell if a child has ADD is to observe his or her attention span. A typical attention span lasts for 3 to 5 minutes per year of a

child's age, so if a child is 5 years old, he or she should be able to concentrate on an activity for a minimum of 15 minutes.

To help a child with ADD, adults need to familiarize themselves with characteristics of the disorder and what actions they should take. When parents and teachers understand ADD, provide appropriate direction, and work to build self-esteem, they can help improve the behavior of a child with the disorder.

Specific characteristics of a child with Attention Deficit Disorder include:

Trouble listening when someone talks, waiting his or her turn, completing a task, or returning to a task if interrupted
Distracted easily
Impulsiveness
Hyperactivity (i.e., physical restless, in a hurry, excessive activity)
Possible learning disabilities (i.e., difficulty remembering directions)

Many of these characteristics are common in children who are younger than 3 years old and are not an indicator of ADD. However, if you suspect a child older than 3 has ADD, it might be helpful to ask your child's teacher or daycare provider if he or she has observed any of these characteristics as well.

ADD is not caused by bad parenting, problems in the family, poor schooling, too much television, or too much sugar. Instead, it is believed that the disorder is a developmental disability caused by delayed brain development. "The brain's delay or immaturity can lead to poor self-control and the need for more attention from parents and teachers," explains Dr. Miller. "In many cases this type of temperament and short attention span is hereditary, meaning that when a child has ADD, mom or dad is likely to have it as well."

ADD can continue into adulthood. In fact, around one-third to two-thirds of children diagnosed with ADD will continue to be affected by the disorder as they become adults. "It can impact jobs, family, and social life," says Dr. Miller. "However, for many, the affects of ADD diminish in adulthood. Attention span improves, but an individual with ADD will remain restless and feel the need to constantly keep busy."

Although it can be frustrating for parents of a child with ADD, says Dr. Miller, there are ways to improve the behavior of a child with the disorder, such as:

Accepting the limitations of your child - Hyperactivity can't be eliminated. However, you can bring the child's hyperactivity under a reasonable control. Maintaining tolerance and patience can help parents achieve this goal.
Provide an outlet for energy - Provide a chance for your child to release his or her energy every day. Excellent outlets for energy include running, sports, and long walks.
Organize your home-life - Routine is good for a hyperactive child. Keep daily activities on a regular schedule (i.e., wake-up time, meals, snacks, chores, naps, and bedtime). Maintain quiet time by keeping radio and television time to bare minimum. This will encourage thinking, listening, and reading. Because symptoms of ADD are worsened by lack of sleep and hunger, bedtime should be early and a hearty breakfast should be served on school days.
Provide consistent discipline - A child with ADD can be hard to manage, therefore he or she requires consistent discipline. Set a few clear rules and stick to them. These rules should be developed in order to keep the child with ADD safe as well as those around him. And, do not set rules that are unattainable (i.e., keeping hands and feet still, keeping quiet at all times, etc.).
Do not use physical punishment - Physical punishment only teaches your child to be aggressive. Instead, place your child in one minute of time-out for every year of his age.

Medication can be helpful in improving some children's ability to concentrate. "If prescribed, medication must be used in combination with specialized education and home management in order to be effective," says Dr. Miller.

For more information on Attention Deficit Disorder, contact your child's physician. If your child displays any of the following behaviors, obtain a referral to a child psychiatrist or psychologist:

Unprovoked aggression and destructiveness
Repeated accidents
Suspension or expulsion from school
Inability to make or keep friends

A graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine, Shirley L. Miller, M.D. completed her pediatric residency at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Dr. Miller is Board Certified in Pediatrics and practices at Boys Town National Research Hospital's pediatric clinic, 555 N. 30 St. For an appointment call 498-6540.