ADD, ADHD, Hyperactivity

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

Children and adults who have ADD or ADHD will usually have a short attention span (a difficult time keeping their mind on one thing), excessive activity (always seem to be in motion) and impulsivity issues (unable to curb their urges, or think before they act).

Typical behaviour of people with ADD or ADHD include becoming easily distracted, forgetting things, making careless mistakes, difficulty in following instructions, feeling restless, fidgeting, squirming, interrupting others and being impatient. This often also leads to challenging, disruptive or aggressive behaviour, temper tantrums and social and emotional difficulties.

ADD, ADHD and Hyperactivity occur irrespective of intelligence or background and more often in males. It affects up to two percent of the population in a sufficiently severe form to warrant intervention. There often is an overlap with related conditions.

Typical behaviours indicating attention difficulties are:

• Failing to pay close attention to detail or making careless errors
• Failing to finish tasks or sustain attention
• Inability to hear what is being said
• Failing to follow through instructions or finish work
• Disorganisation
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Losing implements like pens or books

Easily distracted

• Forgetfulness in the course of daily activities

Typical behaviours indicating hyperactivity are:

• Running around or excessive climbing over things
• Feelings of restlessness
• Difficulties in engaging in quiet leisure activities
• Leaving seat where remaining seated is expected
• Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming on seat

Many of our clients exhibit one or more of these typical behaviours and we have found that this often can be traced back to over-sensitivity of one or more of the senses and retained primitive reflexes. Hyperactivity can also be linked to an underdeveloped balance (vestibular) system.