ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER
        
            Attention deficit disorder is considered a learning disorder 
        because a child and an individual's ability to learn depends on
        his or her ability to pay attention and to remember previous
        lessons and instructions.
        
            Attention deficit disorder refers to a child's or an 
        individual's on-going inability to focus attention for more than
        a few minutes.
        
            Often, many children have trouble paying attention.   Many 
        sounds, sights, memories and other stimulation compete for a  
        child's attention.  In time, however, most children are able to 
        ignore distractions and focus attention as needed.
        
            For children with attention deficit disorders, however, the
        task is not so easy.  Despite repeated requests and sometimes  
        even punishment, the child with an attention deficit disorder is 
        simply unable to focus attention.
        
            As a result, the child or individual with an attention 
        deficit disorder has trouble remembering information and  
        following instructions.
        
            What Causes Attention Deficit Disorder?
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            Attention deficit disorder can have many causes.  It is
        believed to have a hereditary or genetic cause.  It can also be
        caused by damage to a fetus' brain during pregnancy, or to a
        child's brain at birth, or after birth.
        
            How Is Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosed?
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            The signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder are
        usually not apparent in infants.  It is most likely to become
        apparent when a child is of an age where learning and instruction
        become emphasized and a child begins to show difficulty with
        learning.
        
            Usually, this is when a child is about 7 or 8 years of age or
        is in the second or third grade of schooling.
        
            Sometimes, however, signs and symptoms may appear during the 
        infant stage.  These may include restlessness or problems with
        sleeping or feeding.
        
            Signs and symptoms may include:
        
                 1. On-going or habitual inability to pay attention
        
                 2. Easy, excessive distractibility
        
                 3. Lack of ability to organize
        
                 4. Excessive impulsiveness
        
                 5. Hyperactivity
        
                 6. Restlessness
        
            A  physician will ask many detailed questions about the 
        child's personal and family medical histories.  He or she will 
        observe the child's behavior.
        
            The physician will also perform a physical examination of the 
        child.  He or she may recommend more extensive testing to  rule 
        out other causes, or to identify any sensory or neurological
        disorders.
        
            The physician may also refer the child to specialists for 
        additional testing or diagnosis.
        
            What Are The Treatment Options for Attention Deficit
        Disorder?
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            A child with attention deficit disorder faces many
        challenges.  It is a chronic condition that can continue into
        adulthood.
        
            Treatment is geared toward helping the child learn, control 
        behavior and increase his or her self-esteem.
        
            A combination of strategies are usually recommended to help
        the child learn, to increase his or her ability to deal with  the 
        emotional cruelty of other children, and to increase
        self-confidence.
        
            Special education programs tailored to the child's needs can 
        be effective in helping the child learn.  Many technologies and
        techniques are now available to assist the child with an
        attention deficit disorder.
        
            Often, the initial focus is on teaching the child to learn 
        how to learn.  Special education programs may be provided in the 
        public school setting or in private facilities or clinics.  
        Tutoring and practice at home are usually recommended and can
        significantly help the child.
        
            A child with an attention deficit disorder is usually
        referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for specialized 
        counseling.  Usually, the physician also recommends specialized
        counseling for the parents.
        
             Some medications may be recommended to help the child focus
        attention.  The most commonly prescribed medications include
        dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and pemoline.
        
            In order to make an informed decision about your child's
        health and medical needs, ask the physician to fully explain the
        benefits, risks and costs of all treatment alternatives,
        including medication.