Attention Deficit Disorder

Many parents and professionals think the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity is a definitive diagnosis. This diagnosis is typically given when a group of behaviors including inattention are observed in a child. The diagnosis is now being used with adults as well. The most common treatment is medication.

There is an error in this approach.

Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity can, in fact, have quite a few different causes, each of them resolved with a different solution. So this diagnostic category is inconclusive. It would be the same as stating that a fever was a conclusive diagnosis. Of course, it is not. It is, however, a good indicator of an underlying problem. Behaviors defined as ADD or ADHD are also good indicators of an underlying problem.

What does NACD do? The NACD approach is to first define the underlying problem that is causing the symptoms of ADD/ADHD to occur. A thorough neurodevelopmental assessment is performed for each client in order to pinpoint the cause or causes of the problem in that individual. Then, NACD creates a treatment program designed to fix the underlying problem identified for that specific client. When the underlying causes of the symptoms are successfully addressed, the client no longer experiences the poor concentration and behavioral issues that lead to the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD. For a child served by NACD, the parents are trained in the implementation of program activities designed very specifically for that child. An NACD parent is trained to become an expert—an expert on their own child. In a step-by-step process, the parent is trained to know not only how to implement their child’s program but also why each activity is being done and what results to expect in regard to improvement.

ADD and ADHD are symptoms of problems that can be fixed without medication. NACD does not stop there. While the program works to fix the causes of the problem, NACD also teaches the parent how to efficiently instruct the child so that the child can make significant academic gains while the other issues are being addressed. In addition, parents receive our professional support and the support of other NACD families throughout this process. What does NACD expect for your child? We expect success!