North Shore Collaborative: ADD and ADHD

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	Resource Topics Abuse Domestic Violence Sexual Assault/Abuse Alcohol and Drug Use/Abuse Bullying & Intimidation Educational Issues Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect Learning Disabilities & Special Education School Attendance & Truancy Grief and Loss Mental Health for Children & Youth ADD/ADHD Depression Eating Disorders Self Injury Money Matters Parenting Sex and Sexuality		ADD/ADHD ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects between 3% to 5% of children and adults in the U.S. It is a diagnosable and treatable disorder. This disorder is biological in nature which means that the chemicals in the brain are responsible for the symptoms that many people with ADD/ADHD might have. The exact cause of ADD/ADHD is not clear. However, it is known that chemical balances in the brain affect temperament and behavior. The condition runs in families, although many adults do not recognize their own ADD/ADHD symptoms until their child is diagnosed with the condition. More research is needed to determine exactly how genetic factors influence ADD/ADHD. It is important to understand that this disorder is no one's fault, and there are many resources available to treat the disorder. From time to time, most everyone experiences the symptoms that are commonly associated with ADD/ADHD, but when these symptoms are severe and interfere with every day life, this may be a true disorder that needs to be treated. Inattention. This is the most common symptom. In addition to having difficulty paying attention, people with ADD/ADHD often are unable to consistently focus, remember, and organize. Careless mistakes are sometimes made. Starting and completing tasks that are boring, repetitive, or challenging are extremely difficult. Impulsiveness. Frequently acting before thinking may result in poor judgments or bad decisions. People with ADD/ADHD may also have trouble developing and maintaining personal relationships. An adult may not keep the same job for long or spend money wisely. Hyperactivity. A hyperactive child may squirm, fidget, and climb or run when it is not appropriate. Children often have difficulty playing with others. They may talk a great deal and not be able to sit still for even a short time. Teenagers and adults who are hyperactive don't usually have the more obvious physical behaviors seen in children. Rather, they often feel restless and fidgety, and are not able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities. Symptoms vary by individual and range from mild to severe. Local Resources Jean Brandt, School Psychologist Lake Superior School District 218-834-8205 Ext. 8207 jbrandt@isd381.k12.mn.us Human Development Center Grand Marais: 218-387-9444 Silver Bay: 218-226-3190 Two Harbors: 218-834-5520 National Resources Virginia Office of Special Education http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sped/projects/ose/categories/add.html Medical Encyclopedia: ADHD http://content.health.msn.com At Health.com www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/ADHD.html Kids Health http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/learning/adhd.html Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder www.chadd.org Note: This is by no means meant to include an exhaustive list of mental health supports. Please remember there are many forms of support -- friends, family, spiritual connections, alternative health providers, online resources and internet support groups to name a few. Disclaimer: Listing of resources and websites is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement of any resources or website.

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