"Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions"
A. ADD/ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association, there are three subtypes of this condition:
Inattentive
Can’t seem to get focused or stay focused on a task or activity
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Very active and often acts without thinking
Combined
Inattentive, impulsive, and too active
***As society moves ahead with research, we are finally realizing and motivating people to think of ADD/ADHD as a different style of learning and not as a disorder.
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2. Q. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
A. ADD is Attention Deficit disorder Inattentive Type and ADHD is attention deficit disorder with Hyperactivity.
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3. Q. What are the characteristics of ADD/ADHD?
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty listening and following directions
- Difficulty concentrating and staying on task
- Poor attention span
- Impulsiveness
- Forgetfulness
Enough with the negatives…here are the positive characteristics of ADD/ADHD:
Creative
Risk takers
Passionate
Spontaneous
Intelligent
Posses Entrepreneurial skills
Thrill seekers
Visionaries
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Energetic
Athletic
Fun loving
Positive thinker
Motivated
Intuitive
Artistic
Enthusiastic |
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4. Q. Is ADD/ADHD a disease?
A. NO. ADD/ADHD is not a disease. This frame of thinking has been created by the way society looks at individuals who may possess a different way of being, thinking or in this case learning. ADD/ADHD is not caused by bad parenting or by the neighborhoods we have been raised in. It is a wonderful and unique gene passed on to us as a gift.
Many
famous people have ADD/ADHD such as Tommy Hilfiger (designer),
Whoopi Goldberg (actress) and Richard Branson (Business Tycoon-Founder
of virgin Airlines). More
on famous people and how they have dealt or are coping with
ADD/ADHD in the "Passage to Freedom" eBook.
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5. Q. How is ADD/ADHD diagnosed?
A. There is no simple or quick test (such as a blood test or MRI) to diagnose ADD/ADHD. A diagnosis is made through a comprehensive assessment that comes from a developmental history, rating scales, observations and a collection of interviews made with the child or adult, and the individual’s parents, teacher, spouse, and others.
A complete physical examination should also be included in the evaluation in order to rule out any medical conditions that may exhibit some of the same characteristics as ADD/ADHD. Some of these conditions are sleep disorders, lead toxicity and autism.
It is important that you choose a qualified professional to make the diagnoses as individual clinicians may interpret and view data differently. In
the "Passage to Freedom" eBook you will find steps to choosing a good clinician and how to go about getting the best evaluation.
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6. Q. What are some parenting tips?
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Create and implement clear rules, limits and expectations
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Use consistent positive reinforcement and fair consequences
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Always look for opportunities to applaud and celebrate the strengths
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Talk with you child about the success stories shared by other people who have ADD/ADHD
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Work collaboratively with his/her teachers and other school personnel
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Give the child the opportunity to do things he/she may find interesting
***Click here to receive more up to the minute news and tips on ADD/ADHD***
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7. Q. Can you be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as an adult?
A. It was once thought that ADD/ADHD was something that would “go away” or you would outgrow by adolescence. It is now understood that ADD/ADHD is not outgrown and in fact 75% of ADD/ADHD youngsters will continue to have problems related to attention deficit throughout their adolescence and into adulthood (Wodrich, 1994).
So learn to love and nurture the real you and appreciate all the wonderful talents that come with having ADD/ADHD.
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8. Q. Can I go to college or hold down a “regular” job even though I have ADD/ADHD?
A. ADD/ADHD is not some form of defect and does not mean you are doomed to fail in whatever path you decide to take in your life. Many individuals with ADD/ADHD have attended college and have become extremely successful in their careers.
Remember....individuals with ADD/ADHD are often highly intelligent and creative and possess great talents. The key is discovering your weaknesses in the work place or in school and turning them into strengths.
People
who want and achieve success will do so if they have great desire,
motivation, a positive mind set and a solid support network. The
"Passage to Freedom" eBook discusses in further detail strategies
to implement at school
or at work that will help you perform to the best of your
ability.
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9. Q. Can I have a successful relationship with an individual with ADD/ADHD?
A. Yes. Living with an individual who is often forgetful and has difficulty paying attention may be frustrating, but this does not mean it cannot work. Communication is key in any relationship, and taking the time to sit and talk out your frustrations will benefit both partners.
Allow the individual with ADD/ADHD to understand and be fully aware of what is bothering you and stressing you and then work together to come up with techniques that can alleviate some of those problems.
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10. Q. Are there any famous people with ADD/ADHD?
A. Yes. The following is a list of several famous people with ADD/ADHD?
- Jay Leno
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Woody Harrelson
- Richard Branson
- Billy Blanks
- Magic Johnson
- Charles Schwab
- Nelson Rockefeller
…. and many, many more.
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