ADD-Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder actually started out as a category that was used to describe a set of symptoms that had several different and possible causes.

Today it has come to mean different things to different people. It is often misunderstood and sometimes assumed to be an irreversible personality trait that can only be treated by medication. Instead, these symptoms often point to a developmental delay issue.

The irony is, if the affected part of the nervous system remains underdeveloped, it does exhibit as a personality trait and remains irreversible.

The key to overcoming any problem is to look at the issues involved and determine which resources are available to overcome the observed problems.

What is ADD and ADHD from a traditional point of view?

From a traditional point of view ADD/ADHD is considered to have a biological root (genetic) where the attentional system is underdeveloped or slow in processing.

Additionally, if you come from an allopathic (M.D.) point of view, ADD is a disruption of neurotransmitters in the prefrontal lobes and needs to be regulated with medication.

This point of view doesn't take into account the brain plasticity concept, which states that injured or underdeveloped brains when treated properly often adapt and recover from an injury.

How is ADD/ADHD determined traditionally?

A traditional treatment approach determines this disorder with the use of a paper assessment and subjective reports. The subjective reports are based upon the behavior seen from the perspective of teachers, parents, and typically a therapist. If there is a reported eight out of fourteen symptoms then it is determined that your child has this disorder. (See paper assessment).

Typically, subjective reports can leave room for error due to the fact that many individuals have different views about what is normal and acceptable behavior and what is not.

A paper assessment.
A continuous performance computer test with paper test.

What is ADD and ADHD from neurodevelopmental point of view?

When ADD/ADHD is looked upon as a developmental delay issue from a neurodevelopmental point of view, it is seen as an underdeveloped nervous system. Underdevelopment within the nervous system can lead to developmental delays and can create atypical behavior.
This underdevelopment may be located in the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord)or in Peripheral Nervous System (the supporting neuropathways) which brings information to the brain.

Therefore, we need to determine which part of the nervous system is affected and how the brain receives, stores, processes and expresses information. From this a set of symptoms a non-medication solution to the problem becomes more obvious.

How is ADD/ADHD determined neurodevelopmentally?

Research has found that ADD/ADHD can present itself in many different forms. It is usually found in conjunction with other types of behavioral and leaning problems. Sometimes the child will be withdrawn with impulsive behaviors and in other cases the child may display aggressive and hyperactive behaviors.

The factor that is described in both cases is an inability to pay attention and concentrate.

We have found that to understand the true issues is through use of a qEEG brain map coupled with an assessment of neurological function.

 

A Quantitative EEG (qEEG) assessment.
A neurodevelopment assessment which includes an qEEG.

After proper identification, exercises can be designed to help develop the part of the nervous system effected, which in turn will allow the effected areas to mature. At that point many individuals can overcome the "label" ADD/ADHD.

Behavior associated with ADD/ADHD

Addressing problem behaviors is a major area of concern for children labeled with ADD or ADHD.

Sometimes it is necessary to eliminate certain negative behavior before it's possible to establish a positive environment. By implementing a solid daily structure and providing appropriate feedback a positive environment can occur. This leads to a successful behavior plan.

Impulsive behavior is a symptom that is commonly seen in children with ADD/ADHD. Traditionally, it has been treated with drugs.

Drugs are prescribed to affect the chemical make-up of the brain. More specifically, they raise dopamine levels which reduce the impulsiveness in children. But this does not eliminate the impulsive problem it merely masks it.

An alternative to medication is to take a look at what is causing the impulsiveness and eliminate it. Many times the issues are caused from food sensitivities, allergies, or underdeveloped pain receptors. Pain receptors allow us to feel pain or pleasure. If this system is sluggish we seek more stimuli (hyperactivity) or we feel bored or even depressed (inattention).

It is important to remember that while the identification of labels such as ADD or ADHD is accomplished by looking at a list of symptoms, these symptoms are not the actual problem.

It is essential to look at what is really causing these symptoms. Once the root causes are identified, they can be addressed and often eliminated.

For further information about ADD or ADHD please select from the articles listed.

Treating ADD Naturally by David F. Velkoff, M.D.

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