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ADD - What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas: 1. Attention span. 2. Impulse control. 3. Hyperactivity (sometimes). ADD is a chronic disorder that can begin in infancy and extend through adulthood, having negative effects on a child's life at home, school, and within the community. It is conservatively estimated that 3 to 5% of our school-age population is affected by ADD.The condition previously fell under the headings, "learning disabled," "brain damaged," "hyperkinetic," or "hyperactive." The term attention deficit disorder was introduced to describe the characteristics of these children more clearly.
There are two types of attention deficit disorder, both of which are described below. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)According to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.) (American Psychiatric Association, 1987), to be diagnosed as having ADHD a child must display, for 6 months or more, at least eight of the following characteristics prior to the age of 7:
1. Fidgets, squirms or seems restless. 2. Has difficulty remaining seated. 3. Is easily distracted. 4. Has difficulty awaiting turn. 5. Blurts out answers. 6. Has difficulty following instructions. 7. Has difficulty sustaining attention. 8. Shifts from one uncompleted task to another. 9. Has difficulty playing quietly. 10. Talks excessively. 11. Interrupts or intrudes on others. 12. Does not seem to listen. 13. Often loses things necessary for tasks. 14. Frequently engages in dangerous actions.
ERIC Identifier: ED313868 Publication Date: 1989-00-00
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