There is a difference between ADD and ADHD, and while the article you linked to gives examples of a child with ADHD, it does not address ADD symptoms. My son Nathan was diagnosed, after almost two years of testing by a team of professionals including a NeuroPsychiatrist, as having ADD-Inattentiveness, meaning that his inability to pay attention was more severe than what would be considered normal for a child his age. It was most severe when he was asked to do tasks that require sequencing, such as math. He can not tell me if spelling comes before lunch or after, because he cannot conceptualize "before" and "after". He can't tell time, because although he can count by fives with prompting, he can't make the connection between counting by fives and counting the numbers on a clock. He is in 3rd grade.

We have started him on a low dose of an ADD medication called Concerta, only after both we and his school exhausted all non-medical ways of trying to help him overcome the inattentiveness. We still have to break every thing we ask him to do up into the tiniest of chunks. He can't "clean his room". He has to be told "pick up that sock, put it in the laundry. Pick up that toy, put it in the toybox." Yes, it's frustrating, because you would think an 8 year old could do more than one thing at a time. He can't.

It's only been a few days, but I'm hoping that the medication will allow him to focus enough on math to be able to at least start third grade work. I hope he can learn to tell time, and count by fives. Whatever it takes.

As a teacher, I do not like my students medicated.  I prefer to deal with them in the real way.  The only time I think kids should be medicated is when their learning is affected.  There are amazing ways to teach children using the body movements.  I also give my active students a limit where they can move.  I tape the floor around their desk.  This gives them a place to move while they are still learning.  I think we are over-medicating our children.  What used to be considered "Just Boys" is now a disease?  I really don't think so.

I think this article is good looking for alternatives to meds but one thing you could add is to check into food allergies. "You are what you eat" is not so far fetched! I have Celiac Disease, I have two sons with milk allergies, and another with soy and peanut allergies. Before we found out, my son who is allergic to the soy and peanuts would get so aggressive with his brothers and say things that were so ugly. I was on him every day. I was worn out. I would cry and feel like the worst mother. Finally, I had him tested for food allergies b/c I knew something was wrong and he just didn't look healthy. Sure enough at the age of 7, we were told of his food allergies. He is 9 now and is a totally different child. He is no longer aggressive. I get compliments on how loving and sweet he is. Amazing, my Matt? It goes to show what food can do to you. He use to be "out of it" also. He couldn't concentrate. His grades suffered.  Especially after he would eat lunch. Food!

Before you run and get meds from your pediatrician, you might want to check with an allergist. It was the best thing we did for our children. And no extra money a month for meds!!!! And they are much happier and healthier! Rather than treat the symptom, find the problem! Google ADD/ADHD + food allergies

As a naturopathic physician that has treated several so-called ADD/ADHD children, I have seen excellent results with the use of botanical and nutritional therapies.  There are laboratory tests available that allow multiple neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine, etc.) in the brain to be measured, giving the doctor a better understanding about biochemical changes that could contribute to ADD/ADHD symptoms.  Once identified, these "chemical imbalances" in the brain can then be corrected accordingly, without the use of drugs.  I would recommend visiting www.neurorelief.com for a physician referral in your area.

I am a physician, mothering a child with genetic risk for ADHD. He started Kindergarten this month. I noticed very early on (when he was just 2) that he requires enormous amounts of exercise. When he was a 2 year old we walked 2 miles a day, most days. We have moved on to biking and bike 60-80 miles a week on a tandem.

I routinely search the medical literature for studies using exercise in children over 7 to treat ADHD, and in preschoolers to prevent ADHD. THERE ARE NONE! I am disgusted with my own profession for not investigating and promoting exercise. Most kids do not get the 1 hour of exercise a day that is recommended by the CDC.

I have started an online fitness group for parents and kids. It is part of the Presidential Fitness Challenge. See http://www.fit-and-smart.org. You and your child can earn badges and medal for daily exercise.