Attention Deficit Disorder

Attection Deficit Disorder

To be nobody-but-myself--in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make

you everybody else-means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can

fight, and never stop fighting.

-E.E. Cummings, 1958

Attention Deficit Disorder is a long and some what mysterious sounding name that tries to describe something you probably already call Hyperactivity. But, attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is much more that Hyperactivity.

History of ADD

In 1902 children who demonstrated many of the symptoms that are today part of attention

deficit disorder would be described as children with "morbid defects in moral control". In

the 1940's, children exhibiting this form of behavior were diagnosed with "brain injured

syndrome" because children with brain injuries from disease or trauma behave in much

the same way. Any child displaying these behaviors regardless of evidence of brain injury

were diagnosed as having brain injury syndrome.

What Causes ADD?

ADD may be caused by a abnormally from trauma, disease, fetal exposure to alcohol and

tobacco, or high levels of Lead. In parts of the brain there is a diminished activity in the

morphology and frontal region of the brain.

Statistics of ADD

Most of the diagnosis is at childhood. Experts say that over 2 million (3 to 5%) children

have ADD. About 50% of these 2 million children who have ADD are believed to be

underachievers. Also with this 50% the children are believed to have social and academic

difficulties. About 40% of the 2 million have a 40% IQ discrepancy. The glad part is that

80% - 90% of these children receive medication for there problem, but most of them still

need behavior modifications. Most schools help with that.

Behaviors Observed in ADD

Some characteristics are:

-Makes careless mistakes in school work.

-Dislikes tasks that involve sustaining mental effort.

-Has difficulty sustaining attention.

-Does not seem to listen when spoken to.

-Often loses things.

-Does not follow through on instructions.

-Often distracted.

-Has difficulty organizing tasks.

-Often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms will result in the diagnosis of peractivity-

impulsivity:

Hyperactivity Impulsivity

Fidgets or squirms Often talks excessively

Often leaves seat in classroom Often blurts out answers

Often runs about inappropriately Often has difficulty waiting turn

Difficulty playing quietly Often interrupts others

Also while the person with ADD gets older the Impulsivity gets more consistent. Usually

girls don't show Impulsivity as much as guys.

How To Help ADD In The Classroom

Researchers have identified classroom characteristics which promote success for many

children that have ADD:

-predictability

-structure

-shorter work periods

-small teacher to pupil ratio

-more individualized instruction

-interesting curriculum

-use of positive reinforcements

The teachers attitude is very helpful if she/he has the following characteristics: