Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has received a great deal of attention in the popular media during the last 10 years. However, it remains controversial and misunderstood. It has been referred to as being both under and over-diagnosed, depending on circumstances. One of the perplexing aspects of the diagnostic challenge has to do with the fact that we are working with children. Little people whose needs; resources, capabilities and circumstances are constantly in flux. The central characteristics of the disorder include problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, not every child has every symptom and the symptoms they do have are intermingled with the above-mentioned characteristics as well as the personality of the child. Nevertheless, there are certain core characteristics of the disorder that must be present in order to consider the diagnosis. Once these have been established, the remaining "symptoms" can be evaluated in light of the possibility of ADD/ ADHD.

As with most psychological or psychiatric disorders, there are no definitive tests to diagnose ADD. However, a team of experienced professionals, most often involving a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist, pediatrician, teacher, and parents carefully examines the child's behavior across settings to figure out what the behavior means. It is also important to note that children with ADD often have other disorders. A psychologist can administer psychological tests to aid in the diagnosis.

What we do know is that this is a disorder of the brain and results in the child being unable to control his or her behavior. The lack of control leads to impairment in at least two setting.The best treatment of the disorder involves both medication and behavior therapy. Medication alone is better than nothing, if a choice has to be made. Behavior therapy starts with the parents and perhaps includes other siblings. It is hard work to restructure the household to aid the ADD child in learning and being successful. Supportive therapy is sometimes helpful to assist distressed parents in coping with a difficult child, year after year.

Quest Therapeutic Camp uses a unique approach to help these, and other; children learn the skills they need to be successful. The Camp environment is structured yet individualized with a positive focus on changing undesirable behavior and, more importantly, learning new skills to be successful.