Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) what are your thoughts?

Yes, ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are real. Also, not ALL children with those diagnoses are "behavior problems". Those that are, aren't really so much behavior problems as they are impulsive. They get the desire to do something, they have to do it...they cannot control it. Often ADD/ADHD kids have the best parents ever. It is because parents or unaffected children can tell their child once not to do something and the child gets the message. With an ADD/ADHD child, they have to be told at least 1000 times before they get the message. Consistency is imperitive when raising an ADD/ADHD child. How do I know? I am an R.N. and years ago served on a volunteer panel (for Hershey Medical Center) that traveled to schools and educated teachers on how to deal with ADD/ADHD children in the classroom. Also, I have raised two boys with ADHD. For those that don't believe ADD/ADHD exist, I would love for them to be blessed with an ADD/ADHD child. Until they have walked in that parent's shoes, it is best not to judge.

My son is ADHD and I give him stratera. We have tried a variety of things and only got short term results. My main goal with him is in school. He has a hard time sitting still in class without his meds and it distracts the other children. I can deal with his hyperness at home. It does get overwelming at times but we manage thru it in the summer. I do take him off it in the summer. Some kids just need something to help them stay focused.

Attention Deficit DISorder...stop dissing our citizens...(I saw that on a billboard lol).

Im not sure about ADD or ADHD. My oldest nephew have ADHD. He take med everyday during the weekdays. He dont take it during the weekend. When he dont take a med during the weekdays, he is really hyper I think. To me, it seems that way. But he is only 8 so it hard to decided if he really have it. I dont think it a bad parenting. Im sure little bit of parenting involved but as long as kids are on right med, things will work out.

ADD/ADHD is real. The brain is working at a slower speed than neuro typical brains, which is why meds such as Ritalyn, Strattera etc help. They speed the brain up to where it should be allowing the child or adult to focus. Children who can't focus tend to be impulsive. However..most children are misdiagnosed, medicated and then the meds are equvilant to giving that child speed. Making behavior worse. Many states have made it illegal for school officials to tell a parent to have their child medicated. Only a doctor who specializes in ADHD should make that diagnosis. There is also new speculation that ADHD is highest functioning form of Autism. Being the parent of a child with Autism..I find that very interesting as her first diagnosis was ADHD. And no..I do not treat my child with ADHD meds..we use behavior modification and diet. Though foe some children that is not enough and those meds are vital to their ability to learn and function. One last note..alwasy take your cfild for a second opinion before starting any psychtropic med!