ADD/ADHD

STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH THE CONDITION

The purpose of this essay is to discuss attention deficit disorder and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD). To this end, the essay first provides a general description of the disorder. This is followed by an examination of some of the basic characteristics exhibited by students with the condition. The final section of the essay reviews several specific behavioral and instructional strategies that can be used to deal with the disability.

In general, ADD/ADHD is classified as a behavioral disorder with characteristic clinical manifestations resulting in non-goal directed activity in that occurs in inappropriate amounts (Hallahan & Kauffman, 1992). The American Psychiatric Association (1994) uses the following criteria in the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD.

A. The child manifests either (1) or (2) of the following:

(1) Inattention: At least six of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

(c) often does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her

(d) often does not follow through on instructi

. . .
ull. Further, some ADD/ADHD children are given optometric Vision Training exercises based on the notion that many of the reading difficulties associated with various learning disabilities are caused by visual problems. ADD/ADHD usually appears in children before the age of four, but its signs are often missed until the child attends school (Hallahan & Kauffman, 1992). It is generally estimated that perhaps up to three percent of all children manifest significant symptoms of ADD/ADHD, with boys greatly outnumbering girls (Kannemann, 1998). The long term prognosis for the condition is, at best, moderate. According to Silver (1990), about 20 percent of ADD/ADHD children will outgrow it by puberty but other problems can interfere. Usually, when the condition lasts into adulthood it is referred to as ADD-RT (Residual Type). If the condition is left untreated, Kannemann (1998) reports that adults will exhibit a variety of symptoms, one of which is a low tolerance for frustration. It is stated that frustration of any sort reminds the adult with ADD of all the failures in the past. Oh no he thinks, there we go again. So he gets angry or withdraws. There can also be addictive behavior, a tendency to worry needlessly and endles
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Approximate Word count = 2452
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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