Attention-Deficit Disorder can be separated into two types: Inattentive Type (ADD) and Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD).

One thing every parent should understand about ADD/ADHD is that every child is unique and exhibit a wide range of different symptoms. Therefore, one child may display a combination of behaviors and weaknesses that another child may not. A very important factor to keep in mind is that all behaviors considered when diagnosing ADD/ADHD are normal childhood behaviors with varying degrees of severity. 

Children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are usually not relentlessly disruptive and in most cases their behaviors go unnoticed in the classroom. However, children with ADD can suffer significantly in school work and social situations. 

Other behaviors that may be noticed in children with ADD are:

• Problems working alone

• Weak study skills

• Frequent loss of personal items

• Chaotic disorganization in desk, lockers, rooms ect.

• Difficulty with directions

• Easily distracted by unrelated stimuli

• Problems with concentration and staying on task.

In addition to the above symptoms of ADD, children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have the added element of hyper active behaviors. They are frequently disruptive and frustrating in a classroom setting.

Other behaviors commonly associated with ADHD are:

• Frequently frustrated

• Low self-esteem

• Aggressive behaviors

• Often in trouble

• Uncontrolled blurting of answers

• Trouble waiting for his/her turn

• Talks a lot

• Seems to always be engaged in inappropriate movement such as (fidgeting, roaming, squirming and distracting others.)                   

What causes ADD/ADHD

There are many possible causes of ADD/ADHD. Although nothing is definite some speculate that genetics may not be the only cause of these disorders. Doctors believe that ADHD is caused by a chemical misfire in the brain that produced an increase in the inability to control impulses. ADD patients are believed to lack the neurotransmitters that control our ability to block out disturbing stimuli. Other possible causes maybe:

• Diet

• Fetal Alcohol/Drug syndrome

• Lead Exposure

• Pregnancy/Birth complication

  Top

You are Here: What is ADD/ADHD
URL of this webpage: http://www.cocc.edu/shannonr/termproject/whatsadd.htm 
Last Updated: 04 June 2002 
© Shannon Rempel, 2002

This webpage was created by a student enrolled in Oregon State University-Cascades Writing 316-E, Spring 2002, and is intended only for educational use.  The contribution of Central Oregon Community College, which provides web space and server support for this website, is gratefully acknowledged.
Writing 316-E Course Home Page: http://www.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/wr316/ 
We welcome comments!  Please address to: cagatucci@cocc.edu