ADD or ADHD?  “Official” clinical diagnosis is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD  ADD used as generic term for all typ0es of ADHD  Basically talking about the same thing, whether you say ADD or ADHD  ADD affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents and 2% or adults  Impacts about 2 students in every classroom across America

Definition ADD is a diagnostic label given to children and adults displaying certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common core features include:  Inattention/distractibility  Impulsivity  Hyperactivity  Boredom * To meet diagnostic criteria:  Behaviors must continue for at least 6 months  Problems apparent before age of 7  Impairment from symptoms present in 2 more more settings

Common Symptoms Failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes Difficulty sustaining attention to tasks Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly Failing to follow instructions carefully and completely Losing or forgetting important things Feeling restless- fidgeting with hands and feet or squirming Running or climbing excessively Talks excessively, blurts out answers Difficulty awaiting turn * Nature and severity of symptoms varies widely between cases * 1/3 of those with ADD do not have hyperactivity component

Effects on Education  Classroom setting probably the worst possible setting for ADD children Many distractions Told to sit still and not talk Need to pay attention to boring, repetitive worksheets, etc. Need to keep on task until work is finished  Many students “hit a wall”  Continual struggles