European scientists and health professionals. They differ with regard to how they label the disorder. Americans prefer the term ADD while Europeans prefer the term conduct disorder. In addition, Americans believe the diagnosis should only be made if the child's IQ is greater than 70; the British, on the other hand, say the IQ should be less than 70 before making such a diagnosis. So, it is not surprising that there is a higher incidence of ADD reported in the USA (20% of the population) compared to 1.6% in Britain (Barkley 1998). Despite these differences among medical and psychological professionals several common signs and symptoms are recognized and theories about the causes of ADD have been proposed.
             It seems clear there is a gender and genetic connection to the disorder. On the average, at least one child in every classroom in the United States needs help for the disorder (Neuwirth 1) and four to nine times more boys than girls are found to have ADD (Cyr 216). The reason for this gender difference is not known. Some research also points to genetics since ADD tends to run in families. Children with the disorder have been found to have at least one close relative exhibiting the disorder. Ten percent of ADD parents are also hyperactive. "And at least one-third of all fathers who had ADD in their youth bear children who have ADD. Even more convincing, the majority of identical versus fraternal twins share the trait" (Neuwirth 7).
             While there are many characteristics that can define the ADD child, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three most important traits to look for when trying to diagnose a child. Like other disorders, ADD can be associated with many different symptoms, which may be mild, moderate, or severe. Problems may be related more to difficulties with attention in some individuals or to impulsivity or hyperactivity in others. Hyperactivity may be present in some children, but not all ...