ADD-ADHD Disorder
What is ADD-ADHD Disorder? ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder, and ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. While both disorders are characterized by poor self-control, impulsivity and inattention, ADHD also includes the symptoms of hyperactivity. These characteristics may manifest differently in different individuals, but not everyone displaying these behaviors is truly ADD-ADHD.
Someone with ADD-ADHD may not manifest all symptoms. One person may definitely be hyperactive, while another may actually be under-active. One child may experience difficulty paying attention and focusing on a task, yet another child may be overly impulsive and only display mild inattention. Then again, some children have problems with all three; attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Thus, there are three subtypes of ADD-ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type and combination type – inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. While everyone may experience or display occasional lack of attention, restlessness or impulsiveness, in someone with ADD-ADHD these behaviors are much more pronounced, occur more frequently, are more disruptive, and effect many areas of their life.
"He had difficulty maintaining attention, and filtering out distractions"
A Year and a Half Later!
"His concentration has increased, even when distractions are present." |
What causes ADD-ADHD? Only a comprehensive evaluation can accurately diagnose ADD-ADHD and avoid the danger of slapping the ADD-ADHD label on a person whose behavior is actually caused by allergies, lead poisoning, a gifted IQ, sleep apnea or a simple lack of discipline. There is some speculation as to what actually causes ADD-ADHD, but most experts agree that true ADD-ADHD is caused by an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters. The compromised or injured brain is unable to prioritize input and tasks, leaving the mind with the inability to focus.
Common treatment protocols use stimulant medications to enable the brain to perform tasks in a more organized fashion, thus curbing the impulsive and disruptive behaviors that characterize ADD-ADHD. However, parents need to be aware of the dangers of treating with these drugs. The most common drug prescribed for ADD-ADHD is Ritalin which, like cocaine and crystal meth, is considered a Schedule II substance by the federal government, and is extremely dangerous. Sadly, Ritalin has been prescribed for children like it was a wonder drug and as safe as candy.
Some treatments focus on nutrition, while others use a more homeopathic approach as a way of controlling ADD-ADHD behavior. The one thing all of these protocols have in common is that they focus on eliminating the symptoms of ADD-ADHD. Unfortunately, there are a number of disorders which can mimic ADD-ADHD with similar symptoms, including but not limited to: vision and hearing loss, thyroid disorders, allergies, schizophrenia, seizure disorders and chronic medical conditions just to name a few. Therefore it is necessary to conduct a thorough evaluation on a child before settling on a treatment protocol.
Christopher Goguen and his parents Paul and Cindi Goguen
Update 8 months after starting the program. (4:20, 9.2mb)
Video Testimonial (requires QuickTime)
If you are confused or even alarmed by the conflicting advice you have received, then you need to call The Family Hope Center. At The Family Hope Center we believe in treating the whole child, not just the symptoms. We believe in going to the source of the problem and start out by identifying the specific neural pathways that have been damaged or compromised.
Our staff will conduct a full evaluation of your child, covering seven areas of function. This allows us to come to a complete understanding of the underlying causes of the ADD-ADHD and to design a comprehensive and coordinated therapy program. This program will be specific to your child and will actually heal, not just mask the core problem by eliminating or controlling the symptoms. What we can do for you and your special needs child - ADD-ADHD >
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"Such progress gives me strong reason to believe...my son’s challenges will be resolved for good. " Shelly Laurent, New York
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