Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are commonly used terms describing individuals with poor attention skills and who are easily distracted and frequently express impulsive behaviors, (Low, 2009). Very often these behaviors are initially observed in children by their teachers. Unfortunately if the disorder is not addressed/untreated it can result in difficulties with peers, teachers, parents and authority figures. Additionally a host of other issues arise for the individual (e.g. low self-esteem, with drawl from friends, avoidance daily activities required for participating in society)

Causes/influences of ADD and ADHD are really unknown. There are a number factors contributing to these conditions: genetics, environmental issues, pre-natal maternal use of alcohol and cigarettes are also included.

Identification of this disorder frequently includes a team effort including parents, teachers, school psychologists and social workers. Once a working diagnosis has been established a treatment regimen is developed where the the individual in question receives individual/small group attention from specially trained teachers, the student may be introduced to a unique classroom setting where behaviors can be examined and modified, and some form of prescription medication is introduced.

Generally speaking the treatment provided children has some positive effect in modifying their behavior. Very often however, the prescription becomes the primary treatment and great hope is placed in its potential effect of modifying the behavior. In many instances the various treatment provider look for the "meds" to provide the bulk of treatment and sometimes the treatment plan is ignored and set aside.

It has been my experience and observation of parents with children diagnosed with this disorder end up relying solely on the doctor prescribed medication as the solution to their child's behavioral problems. There are numerous problems with this conclusion.

1. The child's behavior does improve, but there can be serious side effects
   
2. Will behavioral changes be supported with therapy?
   
3. Can the side-effects become debilitating?
4. What will determine dose load as the child matures?
5. Will the individual maintain the habit of consuming the medication over a life time?

There is no doubt, behaviors displayed by children which interfere with the classroom and relationships must be addressed. A plan certainly should be developed and implemented. However, there are additional things parents can do to positively impact their children's lives.

Nutrition has always been an issue that diagnosticians (medical doctors, chiropractors, psychologists, etc.) address in initial their screenings of anyone coming in for help. For the most part, once these professionals determine the individual is eating a "balanced diet" the nutrition component of treatment is dropped. Unfortunately, the supposed "balanced diet" is a myth. The majority of people (especially children) do not a truly "balanced diet"

References

Keith Low, Feb 2009 http://add.about.com/od/adhdthebasics/a/ADHDbasics.htm