ADD is a neurological disorder with a genetic link.
I 'd like to suggest that, with or without Ritalin, I know of many similar children who are much happier homeschooling in an environment where they really can be in control of their own lives. I've had it since I was a child and was diagnosed when I was 25. I don't know if I could hold down a career without Ritalin. Things like returning calls, paying attention to someone speaking to your group, or just completing a task are Herculean chores. I wish I had known that when I was trying to study in school.