Fequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and what are the symptoms?
A: ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. However, in 1994 it was renamed ADHD to be inclusive, and is broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors:

1. an inattentive type, with signs that include:
   • inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities
   • difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities
   • apparent listening problems
   • difficulty following instructions
   • problems with organization
   • avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort
   • tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework
   • distractibility
   • forgetfulness in daily activities
2. a hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include:
• fidgeting or squirming
• difficulty remaining seated
• excessive running or climbing
• difficulty playing quietly
• always seeming to be "on the go"
• excessive talking
• blurting out answers before hearing the full question
• difficulty waiting for a turn or in line
• problems with interrupting or intruding
3. a combined type, which involves a combination of the other two types and is the most common

Q: How common is ADHD?
A: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ranks among the most common neurological disorder among Canadian children. In every classroom in Canada you can expect to find at least one child, if not more, with ADHD.

Q: Who is most at risk for Attention Deficit Disorder and the causes of ADD/ADHD?
A: Boys tend to outnumber girls by 3 to 1 in prevalence.

Q: How does Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD affect people?
A: Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD hinders concentration, learning and memory. It also affects the person's ability to process and sort out incoming information or stimulus, both internally and externally. While Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD is not classified a specific learning disability, it can interfere with concentration and attention, making it difficult for a child to do well in school and in social situations.

Q: What are Causes of ADD/ADHD and Attention Deficit Disorder?
A: While doctors disagree on the root causes of ADD/ADHD, the causes of ADD/ADHD are found in the functioning of the brain. Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD is a limiting metabolic dysfunction of the brain. When neural building materials are lacking, neurological demands cannot be fulfilled easily. This interferes with the efficient processing of information. Demands for new learning, memory, and the management of information cannot be satisfied, which overworks and stresses the brain.

Q: What are the common symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD?
A: Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD comes in many forms and no two people display the same symptoms. It may manifest itself in undue passivity or inattentiveness, or uncontrollable, aggressive hyperactivity. Physicians often use a checklist of behaviors to subjectively determine whether a person has Attention Deficit Disorder. A person with Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD will display any number of the following symptoms:

• Fidgets or squirms excessively.
• Has difficulty remaining seated.
• Is easily distracted.
• Has difficulty following instructions.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention.
• Shifts from one activity to another.
• Often loses things.
• Often talks excessively.
• Often interrupts.
• Often doesn't listen to what is said.

Q: Is Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD the result of bad parenting?
A: No. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has biological and physical causes - but is NOT caused by bad parenting. Not all ADHD children are from unstable homes and not all dysfunctional families produce ADHD children.

Q: Are there any positive aspects of ADHD?
A: While diagnostic criteria and treatment plans focus on negative aspects of hyperactivity, impulsive problems or attention deficits, there are a lot of positive aspects of ADHD children, adolescents or adults. Not all ADHD people will have all these positive traits or qualities but usually you will find a broad variety of strengths. This is one of the reasons why many parents do not want their children to be changed by psychopharmacotherapy or behavioural treatment. Individuals with ADHD are often:

• Creative
• Charming and warmhearted.
• Excellent judges of character
• Have a great sense of humour.
• Quick to grasp essentials.
• Very flexibility.
• Intuitive.
• Sensitive to surrounding environment.
• Willing to take risks.

Q: Is Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD genetic? A: Studies do show a strong genetic link. A child is 70 percent more likely to have Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD if they have a parent with Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/ADHD.