If your child is constantly moving, unable to focus, or disruptive in settings such as school, you may wonder whether attention deficit/hyperactivity is at play. The terms ADHD and ADD are often used interchangeably to refer to the same condition. However, there is a difference between ADD and ADHD.
ADHD is the primary diagnosis that refers to this condition, while ADD refers to a subtype. Here at Venture Academy, we can help your child no matter which issue they may be dealing with. Therefore, keep reading to learn more about these types of diagnoses and the difference between them.
Understanding the Difference between ADD and ADHD
Before looking at the difference between ADD and ADHD, let’s examine them separately. We’ll begin with ADHD, as it’s the primary diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders. In fact, ADHD stands for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It’s a brain disorder that causes children and adults to have trouble concentrating and staying still.
However, while this term refers to every form of the condition, it tends to be understood to encompass mainly the hyperactive type. With ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, kids usually have a lot of energy and are always on the move. Moreover, diagnosis occurs when kids under the age of 16 exhibit six or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least six months. You may notice difficulty in taking turns, interrupting others, remaining seated, inability to play quietly, or constant fidgeting.
About ADD
ADD usually refers to a different subtype of ADHD. You won’t notice hyperactivity in this subtype. Therefore, if your child is ADD without hyperactivity, they may often seem to be off in their own little world. This type is recognizable when children under age 16 exhibit six or more symptoms of inattention for six months or more without hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Furthermore, you may notice that your child is easily sidetracked and has trouble paying attention. They may have difficulty with or avoid repetitive or boring tasks. Additionally, getting started is hard for these kids, and procrastination is common. They may be forgetful and misplace things frequently.
How Venture Academy Can Help
There definitely is a difference between ADD and ADHD. In fact, there is even a combination in which children will exhibit symptoms from both hyperactive/inattentive and impulsive types. Regardless, the staff at Venture Academy can provide the therapeutic work to help your child.
We teach essential learning strategies to provide the skills to compensate for inattention or hyperactivity. For example, our offerings include:
- Individual counselling
- Therapeutic work
- Youth detox program
- Family and small group therapy
- Education and coping techniques
You don’t have to struggle with your child’s behavioural issues alone. There is help. Therefore, the caring staff of Venture Academy is here to provide the support you need. Give us a call today at *DM_DirectNumber format=period orig=”855-281-5813″* with your questions, including those regarding the difference between ADD and ADHD.
