Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) received its name about 20 years ago. Previously ADD was named minimal brain damage, minimal brain function, and hyperkinesis; although today researchers know, someone with ADD does not have brain damage.The symptoms once believed children would outgrow, we now know follow many into adulthood. The difference is the symptoms may take new form with age and change as the individual learns better ways to cope successfully.

The three symptoms in children are hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness. The physical hyperactivity exhibits itself primarily in younger children. Caregivers, parents, or teachers often describe hyperactive children saying he or she appears to be crawling out of his or her skin, or that he or she seems to be driven by a motor, not unlike that of the energizer bunny.

Chaotic schedules and inconsistent redirection from adults only add to the confusion and chaos for children with ADD. A regular schedule and consistent expectations helps an ADD child to be successful.

Children who are scolded for unreasonable expectations, such as being told not to fidget or to sit still will only become more frustrated when unable to do so. For the fidgety child a fidget item such as a koosh ball can go a long way to help him or her to settle down and resume focus.

ADD children can cause chaos in their path when he or she is having difficulty at home and school and this can be especially frustrating for teachers and caregivers, who wonder if the child is simply being defiant and unruly.

Although adolescents and adults with ADD tend to be less physically hyperactive, they are often forgetful, disorganized, impatient, restless, and easily bored. This age group can have trouble in setting priorities, time management, and keeping track of the little things, like cell phones and MP3 players.

Teenagers may react impulsively by skipping classes, neglecting homework, and even abusing drugs or alcohol. The impulsiveness tends to remain in children, adolescents, and adulthood. Adults tend to express their impulsiveness differently by making rash investments that repeatedly fail, reckless driving, and frequent relationship and career changes. It is difficult for anyone with ADD to recognize his or her full potential and the potential other people may recognize in them.

Although little is known on what causes ADD, there is definitely a hereditary and familial trend to ADD. Parents with ADD are likely to have one or more children with ADD. In other words ADD, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed tends to run in the family.

Researchers now know that food additives, sugar, vitamin deficiencies, allergies, radiation, lead poisoning, television or fluorescent lights, or head injuries do NOT cause ADD. Yet many of these medical issues do mimic the same symptoms as ADD. This is why it is imperative that prior to diagnosing anyone with ADD a good medical workup and physical exam is completed.