I am interested in finding out information on ADD – not ADHD – because I have a daughter who might have the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. If she has it, what can I do to help her?
The clinical condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has three basic types: primarily hyperactive-impulsive type, primarily inattentive type or combined type. The term ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is no longer used in clinical practice. It is, however, a very popular generic term used to describe this condition in the mainstream press.
It sounds like your question has to do with the primarily inattentive type of ADHD. That is, your child does not have significant problems with hyperactive or impulsive behavior but struggles to develop the self-disciplinary skills related to sustaining attention, planning, organizing and following through with tasks.
The book I recommend for parents of children with this type of ADHD is Tom Brown’s Attention Deficit Disorder (Oxford Press).
Learn more in the Everyday Health ADD/ADHD Center.