Gender Discussion of Attention Deficit Disorder

by: im_tony
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Difficult as they are to spot, ADD and ADHD have some obvious symptoms. People diagnosed with ADD suffer from distraction, forgetfulness and low self-esteem. They may face problems in following fast conversation, and can become highly disordered with set tasks. ADD and ADHD can both retard mental growth in that the affected child has to struggle with school work and assignment deadlines, failing to finish things on time. These disorders also rob children of their ability to manage the belongings and to keep track of time.

People with ADD symptoms may:

- Lack vigor, and become slothful
- Be unassertive or under-assertive
- Display excessive humbleness and modesty
- Be overtly polite and shy
- Avoid crowds, preferring to stay alone and socially withdrawn
- Shy away from friendship, and make few social bonds

Since girls in general normally display these behaviours, people often overlook the ADD symptoms in them and they are left untreated. Their outward calm, quiet and polite manner may cover up inner disturbances.

ADD-affected girls are emotional and highly sensitive to criticism. They just carry on with life, struggling silently and not displaying any outward signs of their struggle. Interestingly enough, their ADHD counterparts move forward with absolutely no sign of stress or fatigue and seem totally unaffected by all deterrents in the walk of life. Girls suffering from ADD cannot withstand stress and usually withdraw into a shell with a belief they are good-for-nothing and can never do anything right.

Although it is true that parents always wish the best for their children, they sometimes, unknowingly, impede mental growth in their kids by hurling too much criticism at them or by driving them mad with a series of never-ending do's and dont's like 'You must not be so silly. You got to finish school with high grades', 'You need to improve your looks. Try and be as smart as your brother', 'You should be a little more assertive. This won't help', 'Why do you let yourself be taken for granted? Wake up', 'Make more friends', 'Do not let go off things so easily', and so on. While all these are fine at times, overly pointed criticism may contribute to low self-esteem in ADD girls, whether she is shy, outspoken, withdrawn or unruly!

At school, throughout the day, girls' confidence and self-respect are constantly shattered, and their only respite is at home, where they can rebuild their crushed dignity and revitalize themselves to fight another day. Continuous criticism roots in them the belief that they are worthless. Those girls suffering from ADD may become extremely impulsive, disorganized and lack focus in everything, resulting in poor grades in class. Full of distractions, these girls lack the vigor and energy to develop their personality and skill sets that their peers have.

Instead of pointing out their limitations, it is better to compliment them or show appreciation when they pick up a skill or show signs of unique ability. Their psyche just needs a positive boost.

About the Author

Tony Sinclair provides an in depth interview on the causes of ADHD, and simple tips to work with the family challenges ADHD creates. See adhd-secrets-uncovered.com  

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