ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

WHAT IS ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?  Basically ADD is a disorder that hinder's a child's ability to pay attention to such an extent that learning is affected. Often the child does not finish tasks once started, appears to daydream a lot, and seemingly doesnt pay attention in class.

Diagnostic Criteria:  According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, the criteria must be evident for at least six months and be present before the age of seven. Inattention:     1.  often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in            schoolwork, work, or other activities           2.  often has difficulty susataining attention in tasks or play activities      3.  often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly      4.  often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork,          chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to              understand instructions)      5.  often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities      6.  often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained         mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)      7.  often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments,   pencils, books or tools)      8.  is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli      9.  is often forgetful in daily activities Hyperactivity-Impulsivity     1.  often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat      2.  often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is    expected      3.  often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in  adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)      4.  often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly      5.  is often "on the go" or often acts as "driven by a motor"      6.  often talks excessively      7.  often blurts out answers before questions have been completed      8.  often has difficulty awaiting turn      9.  often interrupts or intrudes on others