By Jason Rickard

First and foremost, one of the most important signs to look out for is if a child gets easily distracted. Up to a certain extent we all get distracted from the tasks that we do but kids with ADD especially have a problem of caring for themselves and taking hold of responsibility for themselves. For example, if a child has school work to finish and if they dont get pushed by their parents to complete the work, they wont attend to it.

Another easy way of detecting problems with distraction that could mean a child has ADD is by observing if the child displays carelessness. Easy to spot signs of carelessness could be frequently forgetting items in school or during outings.

One method used in clinics by doctors is to test if the child can follow instructions properly. Usually children with ADD have a hard time following and keeping up with specific instructions and directions given by others.

Keep in mind that the above are not really symptoms of ADD, they are simply a few points to be aware of so if a child displays these on a frequent basis it could mean that they have ADD. There are exceptions however where kids may seem fine one day and display an array of the above behaviors other days. Doctors themselves can only guess whether a child has ADD or not through display of the above signs, then again a guess remains a guess and cannot be a hundred percent true.

Recent research done in the Brunel University in London has some researchers on a brink of unlocking a way to detect ADD in children through eye tests. This is done by having the child follow a spot of light on a computer screen for thirty seconds. The tests have been claimed to be 93% accurate in identifying kids with ADD and those who didnt suffer from the disorder.

Health professionals are hoping that such a test will succeed in identifying ADD at an early stage in a childs life in order to help prevent the disorder getting worse later on.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles.

By Sarah K. Jenkins

The first thing you should do to help your child is research ADD; learn everything you can about the disorder. You will be more help to your child if you fully understand what they are up against, common treatments, and what to expect down the road. You will also be more prepared to work with your childs doctor in effective management of the disorder.

You should also decide, with the help of your doctor, if your child should be medicated. This is a personal decision and can be only be made by you. Some parents feel they are giving their child the best opportunity they can by providing a means to a normal life. Others feel as though medication is not an option. Whatever your decision, you should be educated and certain of your decision.

Regardless of if you use medication, you should implement certain behavior therapy guidelines to help your child control their behavior. These train your child to utilize lifelong skills to be effective and productive. You should have set behaviour guidelines, as well as consequences. Children with ADD need clear expectations and consistent discipline.

You should be supportive of your child; you are their best advocate. In school, be sure they are being treated in a manner that will ensure their growth and development, as well as at home. You should consider yourself, your childs teachers, and doctors a part of a team whose goal is to help your child succeed.

Help your child grow to be a confident and happy person. Acknowledge their strengths and tell them how much you love them. Children with ADD often suffer depression and low self-esteem; if you know this is the case, take measures to help avoid this fate for your child. Seek professional help if necessary.

Consider joining a support group and seek out people that share your situation. Often the best advice you can take is from someone that has been in your shoes. Utilize life experience!

Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohns Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now. Click here now and re