The child with ADD or ADHD cannot hold attention for more than a few seconds. As instructions are given the attention breaks down, with their attention become fixed on something else , and not what the child started to do. For the ADHD child the behavior is like a ricochet rabbit, rapidly moving from one point of attention to another. It is almost impossible for them to maintain a full attention span long enough to complete a task expected of them. Their thought process are too loose and too poorly organized to let the concentrate on the same thing long enough to finish a task.
It is impossible for the ADHD or ADD child to ignore what goes on nearby. Their attention goes to nearby movement to see what is going on. Their attention darts toward any sound, unusal odor, to find out what is happening and takes their attention from their main responsibilty. Any change, anything new or different, pressure from clothing, calls for immediate attention for them.
These children cannot stay on track for listening. When the flow of oral speech comes their way they cannot absorb it. They hear only bits and pieces of the conversation and concentrate firmly on that. With asking "What did you say" There is no retention of instrutions. With the hyperactive child only about 30% of the full message is absorbed . Later repeating " You didn't tell me that" or "I didn't hear you say that" . Listening to directions is very poor for these children.
ADD or ADHD children do not finish what they start. They do not finish anything unless a great deal of supervision and reminding is done by the adults and teachers. They start many projects but never finish any. Only part of a assignment or project is completed , yet the child is certain that all of it was done. These children are forever losing things, including homework, books, pencils,jackets, hats and toys. Teeth are only partly brushed, hair partly combed or shampooed and baths are unfinished. The Attention Deficit child is too scattered to go completely from start to finish unless under strict supervision.
The Attention Deficit child does not think before acting. There is no postponing the act. The child demands it NOW, and wants it NOW. There is no pondering on what the effects would be if the impulse is carried out at that moment. They have a tunnel vision, seeing only what they want, they simply do not realize what they are doing to themselves or others. They do not connect the consequences with the action.
They body of the ADHD child is never at rest. Their muscles continue to work. Their feet drag, their legs are tapping something, their hands are always reaching out to handle something. The body of a hyperactive child cannot be still for any longer than for brief periods of time. The body is in sometype of motion at all times, even during sleep. This overflow of body energy is usually beyond the conscious control of these children.
The Attention Deficit Children, also have an overflow of Emotions, they are very seldom a successful member of the class. They are less mature than most of their age. Outburst of anger are common and tears occur frequently. More mature classmates will refer their behavior as " acting like a baby"
Almost 80% of the children who are ADHD or ADD will out grow it as puberty advances. The parents of ADHD or ADD children often need help, as it places emotional stress within the home and the family.
What I have just written are observations that I have experienced with working with the ADHD and ADD children. It is a very challening task to deal with and to try to piece life together for these children. I have had many school meetings and find the schools are very cooperative to accommodate the children. I have worked with many children who were ADHD and ADD, some were on medication and some were not, the important thing to remember is that structure and consitency is very important in these children's lives.
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http:www.addhelp.com/home.html
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