What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
A New Way of Thinking About Paying Attention
Your Go-To Guide for the most up-to-date strategies for understanding ADD/ADHD and attention skills. This page is designed to help you move along the ADD spectrum from frustration to elation and to give you a better understanding of what it really means to pay attention.
When your child is having difficulties focusing, sitting still, or paying attention, it can be very easy to first assume that the problem is ADD. But, before you rush to label and medicate your child, make sure that you are informed!
Remember this mantra:
Before you medicate, educate!
On this page you will find resources that will help you to better understand ADD. Download or print off the informative ADD booklet—it’s a fantastic resource that charts Oxford Learning’s big-picture approach to teaching children with ADD.
Visit a location for a longer, more detailed version of the ADD booklet called Will You Please Pay Attention?. Pick up your free copy today!
Comments(5)
Oxford Learning - Joe
Apr 24, 2007
If you have any questions about this booklet, please let us know here in the comments.
Shannon
Jun 15, 2007
My Family Doctor,Pediatrician,school teachers and her councellors have all said my daughter might have ADD, Now I've gone to the pediatrician and she's given my daughter a prescription for Ritalin, My Exhusband now says he wants nothing to do with the drug and WILL not have her on any drug for this, for that matter doesnt want to see the possibility that she does infact have it. my question is, we just recently went to our family doctor (who originally referred me to the pediatrician) and says since there is no school threw the summer he doesnt see why she needs to be on, but now my ex has made an apt on Monday at your facility, and since this will be involving learning throughout the summer, shouldnt she start her medication so that it helps her with focusing and paying attention?
Emma-Oxford Learning Educator
Jun 15, 2007
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for your comments. I recommend speaking with either the centre director or the education director at your local Oxford Learning Centre. In order to be diagnosed with ADD there is quite an intense testing process. Some doctors can be too quick to hand out a prescription and not have any real confirmation of an issue. Seeing as the professionals that you have spoken with said that she "might" have ADD I would hold off putting her on medication until further testing can be completed.
Concentration and focus is something that can be taught. I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but the younger a child is the easier it is to teach them new learning strategies. That being said, we have had great success teaching many children of all ages new learning skills.
Before putting your daughter on Ritalin make sure that you do your research. This drug can have various unpleasant side affects. I have taught many students that have been diagnosed with ADD (many were misdiagnosed) some were on medication and others weren't. The students that weren't on medication controlled their ADD tendencies through diet and exercise. This is another option I would recommend looking into. I'm sure as a parent you are frustrated and are willing to do whatever it takes to help your daughter, however please make sure you receive second and third opinions before putting your daughter on Ritalin. It is a very addictive drug and can be very difficult to "wean" children off once they have been on it for some time. Please download the above pdf. and read through it and definitely talk to your local Oxford Learning on Monday. We are here to help and support you however we can!
Sandie
Jul 9, 2007
Shannon-
My daughter was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 15-very late. But in retrospect it is very obvious to us that she has had it all her life. We had her diagnosed by a psychologist,who then sends you to your pediatrician with an evaluation in your hand. In our case the psychologist also gave her other evaluations of her learning and we found out that she has learning disabilities in Math and English. Now we are prepared to move ahead with teaching her how to cope and we did try medication-concerta (it is a slow release ritalin that keeps her even all day) She functions better in school and socially with her friends. Our pediatrician recommended she comes off it in the summer unless she goes to summer school.
Good luck!
DINA
Dec 4, 2007
PLEASE READ
AGUIDE FOR CARING teachers and
Parents
THE impossible CHILD
Doris J. Rapp,M.D., F.A.A.A.,F.A.A.P
Introduction by Lendon Smith, M.D.
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