Attention Deficit Disorder with or with out hyperactivity has long been considered to be a learning disability. We now know children and adults who display some of the symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD have many talents and can have great accomplishments. Children who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD need certain types of therapy to deal with the constarints put upon them by our society. Some of the more commonaly known characterstics of ADD/ADHD such as impulsivity, creativity, individualism, and risk taking are not always praised and rewarded, especially in school. We know that many of our history's prominent individuals have made the most those characteristics. There really is not much of a difference between a "gifted" person's personality and that of one with ADD/ADHD. In order to make a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must begin before the age of 7 and continue for at least 6 months. In children, they must occur more or be more severe than in other children the same age. The symptoms must interfere with the child's activities at school or with peers, and symptoms must be seen in more than one situation. Some are thought to have ADD/ADHD because they exhibit some of the symptoms. In some cases those symptoms have other causes. These can be some of the symptoms and actual causes. Underachievement at school can be due to a learning disability. Attention lapses can be caused by petit mal seizures. A middle ear infection can cause an intermittent hearing problem. Disruptive or unresponsive behavior can be due to anxiety or depression. Some of the characteristics of ADD/ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some examples are as follows: Low sustained attention in almost all situations Diminished persistence on tasks not having immediate consequences Impulsivity, poor delay of gratification Impaired adherence to commands to regulate or inhibit behavior in social contexts More active, restless than other children Difficulty following to rules and regulations.       Does not seem to listen when spoken to   Difficulty following through or finishing tasks   Difficulty organizing oneself       Careless mistakes in schoolwork; often forgets things at home or at school       Often loses things such as homework, toys, books, assignments, articles of clothing.   Easily distracted Fidgety, squirms in seat; has difficulty staying in one place Runs of climbs excessively       Talks excessively       Restless and always "on the go" Blurts out answers Has difficulty waiting his/her turn       Interrupts others   Is inappropriate in social situations       Risk taking behaviors; impulsive, dangerous acts It's not too hard to see that children with ADD/ADHD develop an unflattering view of themselves. They think they are troublemakers, bad kids, the cause of family problems, not trustable, bad students who will never achieve much. They constantly hear others telling them that they are bad, lazy, stupid, crazy, out of control and irritating. Many children with ADD are unhappy. I know that was the case of my five year old daughter (I will tell our story later.) Many have trouble making friends, and think that they are troublemakers and problem causers between their parents or siblings and blame many situations on themselves. Many often believe that their parents, caregivers or teachers are disappointed in them. Which further makes them feel hopeless. The best thing we can do as parents of children with ADD/ADHD is to keep our patience and help our children build a strong self concept.