 ADD is a disorder marked by an inability to maintain attention for long periods of time. This is differentiated from regular distractibility because it greatly disrupts at least two areas of one’s life and it stays with a person throughout most of his/her life. It is not the result of laziness, lack of motivation, or disobedience it is a serious problem that hinders a person’s ability to live a normal life.

 Because a person with ADD cannot devote full attention to anything for long periods of time they have extreme difficulty in learning new things and completing day to day tasks.

 Genetics › Brain structure, sometimes ADD is diagnosed in people with smaller frontal lobes than those who do not have the disorder › Imbalance of chemicals that regulate impulse and of neurotransmitters in the brain  Mothers use of drugs and tobacco during pregnancy may increase risk, however no conclusive evidence has been compiled at this time, though research is being done.  Anyone with a family history of ADD will have a higher chance of having it

 Constant fidgeting  Easily distracted  Impatience  Inability to relax  Difficulty organizing

 A combination of therapy and medication to help people with ADD/ADHD adapt to their disorder and lead normal lives.  Psychotherapy  ADD coaching for adults  (we don’t know why this slide is green)

 Research is being done to determine whether a pregnant woman’s use of drugs and alcohol increases her child’s chances of getting ADD.  Also research is being done on how certain diets may influence the effects of ADD  Research being done to discover further causes of ADD

 Frank Lloyd Wright  Salvador Dali  Pablo Picasso  Vincent Van Gogh  Michael Phelps  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart  Henry Ford  Christopher Columbus  Alexander Graham Bell  Thomas Edison  Benjamin Franklin  Albert Einstein  John F. Kennedy  Abraham Lincoln  4-6% of US population has ADD

 ADD is fun to not have  It is very easily treatable and can help many people to live more fulfilling lives