Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a chronic inability to focus or pay attention, particularly at school or work, and, especially in children, it can be perceived as a physical impairment such as laziness, depression or a learning disability.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an inability to control behavior resulting in chronic restlessness, irritability, over or hyperactivity and an unwillingness to delay gratification.
Both ADD and ADHD are usually first identified in childhood as a result of a changes in academic performance, classroom behavior, and social interactions with friends and family. One of the biggest challenges for children with ADD or ADHD is low self-esteem, which can carry on throughout life. Over 50% of all children with ADD or ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms as adults. Adults with ADD or ADHD may continue to struggle with basic tasks and as a result, they may find their symptoms holding them back at work or from reaching professional and personal goals. Learning to manage their ADD or ADHD symptoms while your child is younger not only helps them do better in school now, but potentially will help them be a more successful adult as well.
How does ADD or ADHD Therapy Help?
Often it is negative thoughts and attitudes about ourselves and our self-perceived inabilities that most affect our feelings, and in turn, behavior. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, our therapists teach strategies to overcome negativity and instead learn how to accept and love yourself.
ADD or ADHD therapy gives your child tools to help them learn to manage their ADD or ADHD symptoms and live a noticeably happier, more stable life. As ADD and ADHD behavior symptoms can also impact personal relationships, by seeking counseling, you may also see them start to have stronger, healthier relationships with friends and family, as their self-esteem and self-confidence grows.
If your child could benefit from counseling for their ADD or ADHD within the St. Peters, MO area, let us help you.