Attention Deficit Disorder in American Children Approximately 3-5% of all American children suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD is a major cause of academic failure and poor performance. The characteristics of ADD often appear in early childhood. About 50% of children with ADD are never diagnosed. Boys significantly outnumber girls, although girls are more likely not to be diagnosed with ADD. ADD is not an attention disorder, but an impulse control disorder (Pfiffrer 184). Characteristics of attention deficit disorder may include: fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty sitting still, waiting your turn at games, following instructions, and moving from place to place. incomplete task to another. They also have difficulty playing quietly, interrupt conversations and intrude on other children's games, seem not to listen to what is said, and do dangerous things without thinking about the consequences (Mills 23). Attention deficit disorder is strongly thought to be genetically inherited, however, not all cases of ADD may be genetically linked. Studies have shown that 20-30% of all hyperactive children have at least one parent with ADD. The environment has a great influence on the baby during and after pregnancy. Some studies show that smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use during pregnancy influence a small percentage of ADD cases. Exposure to toxins, such as lead, can also alter brain chemistry and function (Pfiffner 78). If you suspect you have attention deficit disorder you will need to discuss it with your doctor. In most cases your doctor will recommend that you visit a psychologist for an evaluation. The psychologist is professionally trained in human behavior and will be able to provide counseling and testing in areas related to mental health. The psychologist cannot prescribe medications to help you, but he or she can refer you to a psychiatrist to prescribe and monitor medications. You may consult a neurologist to rule out neurological conditions causing your symptoms. The doctor will collect information about your past and present difficulties, medical history, current psychological structure, educational and behavioral functioning. Depending on the symptoms, the diagnosis can be classified as ADD, inattentive-type ADD, or hyperactive/impulsive-type ADD (ADHD). After...half of the paper, exit the game before it's finished. They may not be able to pay attention to what another child says, not respond when someone else tries to initiate an activity, or display inappropriate behavior (Sudderth 75). I decided to write my essay on attention deficit disorder because my eleven year old brother was diagnosed with the disorder. I hope that my relationship with my brother can become closer now that I have a better understanding of what he suffers from. Works CitedMills, Jerry. Don't doubt the dream. Marchette, Michigan. Impulse Presentations, 1994. Sudderth, David MD and Kandel, Joseph MD. ADD for Adults: The Complete Handbook: Everything you need to know about coping and living well with ADD/ADHD. First publishing house. 1997Barkley, Russell A. Taking Care of ADHD, revised edition. Guildford Press. 2000Reif, Sandra F. How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions to Help Children with Attention and Hyperactivity Problems. Center for Applied Research in Education. 1993Pfiffrer, Linda. All about ADHD (grades K-8). School business. 1999Reif, Sandra F. The ADD/ADHD Checklist. Prentice Hall Commerce. 1998