Does my little sister have ADD?

From what you describe, it doesn't sound like she has ADD or ADHD - both are different, but the only symptoms you are describing are that she doesn't want to learn.

ADD is Attention Defecit Disorder - the inability to stay focussed on one thing for ny length of time - attention usually flits from one thing, to another, to another and sufferers have too many things going on in their head to concentrate.

ADHD is Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder and is similar in the lack of attention but the hyperactivity is a key factor, with excessive energy and distractiveness being a key symptom, as well as unawarenesss of dangers and excessive risk taking.

Neither of these sound like your sister from what you have said, although clearly many details are probably missing and you would need a proper medical diagnosis to be sure.

Teaching the aphabet is a poor indicator of ability. Teaching a child the alphabet is also of little use to anything - kids mainly learn it like a song and that's all it is - a memorisation of a list of names and that doesn't contribute to the skills needed for reading, which are understanding of the sounds in our spoken words and the abiltiy to blend these together to read words. So, learning a song or being able to name a set of random shapes, which are what the letters will mean to her, might well be very unexciting and meaningless for her, so she will not be willing to learn.

Children also can respond poorly to being taught by their own families, and this is not representative of how they are coping academically in general - how is she performing in school? What does her teacher say?

Ok no I do not think she has ADD, but I think there is definately a problem. She is basically just being defiant, she thinks it is boring or is otherwise uninterested so she does not want to do it. Has anybody else had problems with her, besides family? Do her teachers say she is a problem. Yes being inattentive is part of ADD/ADHD but there is a lot more to it, like impulsivity, fidgeting and sorry but if she can watch a 30 minute tv show or play a video game for an hour straight she is not ADD/ADHD ( I am not saying she does). My son has the same problem with not wanting to learn, but he also is agressive, angry and violent at times, he refuses to look people in the eyes to talk, has issues with sensory and speech, and was slow to read and write, but a whiz at math (he was recently diagnosed ODD). Maybe she has a learning disability or something else that needs medical attention. Try to get your mom to take her to the doctor, and the doc may refer a child psychologist, for an evaluation. I am sorry and I have little foundation for saying this but it kind of sounds like a type of autism, again I am not being mean or saying this child is doomed, but I have seen all forms of autistic children and some display that type of behavior. Well, I hope I helped and if I sounded rude it was completely unintentional, I just think the terms ADD/ADHD are thrown around to easily and quickly, and think the children should at least get the correct diagnosis.

Sounds like she does have a learning disablity but the best way to know for sure is to have her tested. Tell your mom that you are worried about your little sister. Recommend her seeing the Dr to find out what is going on. I am surprised the school hasn't said anything yet. Anymore teachers have been pretty quick to label kids so they will tell parents about any problems in the classroom. If she can sit still for long periods of time and isn't bouncing off the walls you can rule out ADHD but she may have ADD or another learning problem and that really needs looked into by a professional.

It sounds like she may have ADD. ADHD usually develops later, as it is noted for a child's inability to pay attention and severe hyperactivity. I know because I had it as a child.

I understand that you do not want to see her on drugs (Ritalin). She may not have a choice, though. ADD can set a lot of kids back and keep them several grades short of where they should be. I graduated a year late as a result. Once I was on medication, I was MUCH better, but I had to kiss my childhood goodbye. I couldn't laugh, play, smile, be happy, be a kid, nothing. I could only sit there like a zombie and do nothing...and my mother wondered why...puh.

Anywho, a child with ADD may be in need of medication, but there may be some other alternatives available. The school can provide you with endless resources on how to deal with this without the use of medication. Good luck.

the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD is being used way to often lately.. i mean when a person who has never seen or spoken to the child suggests the child could have ADD wouldnt that be the same as saying oh.. she must be HIV Positive???.. ADD and ADHD is something that is diagnosed by assesment from a licenced and QUALIFIED physician AFTER MEETING WITH THE CHILD! and its not done in one day... and there is no way anyone over the INTERNET could tell u if she has it or not, not even a doctor. so if it really worries u have ur mom take her to get her assessed? somethings just cant be answered online but ur an amazing big sister for caring so much!! Talk to ur mother tho not us internet folk :)

I cant say "no" but just with this info-no one can say "yeah-that sounds like ADD" I know you are concerned and you want the best for your sister but this could be one of many many things that's going on. maybe she is just stubborn, maybe she has a learning disability, maybe she needs attention, or discipline or ... I could go on and on, sweetie. Your mom needs to be getting her evaluated and tested by the schools and several different Dr's and remember they BOTH try to push a label and meds on these kids so they dont have to deal with it. If this gets you no where or your unsure see a child physiologist

P.S. your answer from RubyRose is VERY intersting to me and I would make sure you show that one to your mom and really really think about that one!! good luck!!

Some kids need more exciting ways to learn things. Maybe instead of teaching her things the boring ways come up with new ideas or games to help teach her. Make learning fun...she could just be bored or not interested. All I know is kids who get put on medicine for this disorder always seem zombie like...it robs them of their childhood in away, kids are going to be wild and stubborn at times that does not mean they need medication. I would thouroughly look into this before medicating the child.

I think your little sister might benefit from a Multi Factor Evaluation which can be done through the school system at no expense to your parents. Anyone (adult) can request it. I'm not sure sure meets criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD from what you are describing. There are other learning disabilities, as well as hearing problems, that interfere with learning.

Ok, so my six year old was the same way when she was younger, she is now in 1st grade with no problems. I had asked her doc to test her when she was four or so, but he said you could not really tell til they were at least 7. My son, I had no problems with through preschool, k, 1st, 2nd. Now that he is in 3rd, they want to test him. Both of my kids are VERY intelligent, so I think you should probably let it go for a year or so and see what happens. It is GREAT that you care enough to look into this, though. You are a great big sis!!

I just read a theory recently that said kids dont have ADD, they just are not being taught in a way that they can understand....it made sense to me as I have a brother who is super smart but will not pay attention. There is one teacher who really tried a different angle, and what do you know, he started doing great.

I know its the norm to saddle the kid wit the add label, but why? they are just kids. Shouldnt the adults who have the ability to teach in several ways make an effort? not all kids learn the same...perhaps we should stop trying to teach them that they should.

Try to find your sis a teacher who might really understand her learning style......most of the add kids I have met ( including the guy I married) are extra smart & are just not as easily ammused as other kids. Good luck!