Attention Deficit Disorder in Schools is More Common than You Would Think

Attention deficit disorder or ADD as it is commonly known is an ailment which affects the attention of a child. As a result of this condition, the child is inattentive, impulsive and extremely hyperactive. The statistics indicate that boys are affected three times as much as girls by ADD. The affliction becomes obvious when the child turns around four years old. The occurrence of attention deficit disorder in schools is high; it is reported that five out of every hundred school going children suffer from this affliction.

Attention Deficit Disorder in Schools is Difficult to Diagnose

Unfortunately the behavior that ADD represents is actually expected in children. It does not look like difficulty in concentration is a problem till it reflects heavily in the grades and it is obvious to the parents that despite their best efforts the children are unable to focus on a subject for a long time.

It is the same with the hyperactivity symptom. Since ADD is more common with boys, and boys are expected to be hyperactive, it takes a lot of observation to find that this is indeed a symptom of ADD. Lastly the impulsive behavior too is pretty common among people and hence it will not attract undue attention till much later.

Looking at these facts, it becomes clear that attention deficit disorder in schools is quite common – more common than would want to admit. Once again, since it affects three times more boys than girls and the symptoms very much falls within the purview of their common behavior, it takes a long time to realize that there could be a problem. It is however, very important to diagnose this problem as early as possible so the child’s career is not harmed.

It looks like a lot will depend on the keen observation of the teacher to identify attention deficit disorder in schools. Actually it is easier to recognize the symptoms of attention deficit disorder in schools than at home because the children are more focused on the task at the school than they will ever be at home, and hence it will be difficult for a parent to really catch on that their child is unable to concentrate on any given task at hand.

Once they are identified, special attention can be offered so the child can cope with his studies and reduce the anxiety that he feels at school.