ADHD Information
· FACT SHEETS ·
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Inattentive type (also referred to as ADD) is a disorder that affects an individual's ability to pay attention. Individuals who have ADHD - Inattentive type have difficulty organizing and completing tasks correctly. They frequently move from one activity to another and have difficulty following rules. ADHD - Inattentive refers to the disorder without hyperactivity.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Hyperactive type is also a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to pay attention, but it also includes the characteristics of poor concentration, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Children and adults with ADHD - Hyperactive type are easily distracted by everything around them. They are unable to concentrate for long periods of time, are restless and impulsive, and have a tendency to daydream and be slow to complete tasks.
ADHD can cause distractibility, forgetfulness, disorganization, difficulty following conversations, and contribute to low self-esteem. ADHD can also cause difficulty in completing schoolwork and assignments in a timely manner. It can affect an individual’s ability to keep track of their belongings or to keep track of time. However, there are differences between ADHD - Inattentive and ADHD - Hyperactive:
The Basic Characteristics of ADHD - Inattentive would include:
Inattention
- difficulty organizing tasks
- difficulty staying on and maintaining interest in task
- difficulty with transitions or prioritizing tasks, following instructions, and completing school work
- problems with misplacing things required to complete tasks
- becoming easily distracted by surroundings
- difficulty remembering daily activities
The Basic Characteristics of ADHD - Combined type would include the characteristics of ADHD - Inattentive as well as Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness:
Hyperactivity
- experiences restlessness and tends to fidget
- has difficulty remaining seated and talks out of turn and / or excessively
- has difficulty controlling restlessness to situational demands
- has difficulty listening to others
- becomes easily distracted while reading
- Impulsiveness
- speaks or acts without considering the consequence
- blurts out answers or opinions, even when inappropriate
- has difficulty taking turns
- lack of self control, often resulting in obsessive compulsive behaviours
- has need for high stimulus activities
People with ADHD - Inattentive their characteristics are often:
- Sluggish
- Honours other’s boundaries
- Obedient
- Under assertive
- Overly polite
- Docile
- Modest
- Shy
- Socially withdrawn
- Bonds with others but doesn’t attract friends
While people with ADHD - Hyperactive or Combined their characteristics are often:
- Physically hyperactive
- Impulsive
- Intrusive
- Rebellious
- Bossy
- Irritation
- Show off/egotistical
- Attracts friends but doesn’t easily bond
- More prone toward Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorders
Q) Is ADHD considered a learning disability?
A) NO. While ADHD can certainly contribute to learning difficulties
throughout life, they are not classified as learning disabilities.
Although ADHD and Learning Disabilities, are neurologically based disorders, each is recognized, diagnosed and treated differently. The treatment for ADHD will not correct an LD. The treatment for LD will not correct ADHD. Statistics on ADHD show that 30 to 40% of individuals with LD will also have ADHD, therefore, it is recommended that when one disorder is present, it is important to look for the other.
More information on ADHD, can be found at the following websites:
LDAC
CHADD
CADDRA
About
NIMH
Kids Health
LD ON LINE
There is much discussion amongst parents, teachers, educators, the medical profession and the general public, on whether to medicate individuals who portray the characteristics of ADHD. LDAPEI does not support, endorse, or recommend any method, treatment, product, remedial centre, program or person for children or adults who may have ADHD. It does, however, endeavour to inform you of resources and studies that are currently available.
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FACT SHEETS (available for download)
- An Overview of AD/HD (PDF - 26 k)
- Symptoms of AD/HD (PDF - 37 k)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of AD/HD (PDF - 35 k)
- Co-Existing Conditions of AD/HD (PDF - 27 k)
- AD/HD and the Child (PDF - 36 k)
- AD/HD and Teenagers (PDF - 32 k)
- AD/HD and the Adult (PDF - 30 k)
- References for AD/HD Fact Sheets (PDF - 27 k)
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