Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is very hard for parents and teachers to identify because unlike Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), children with ADD are not hyperactive and therefore do not attract as much attention. If anything, these students tend to go under the radar as they quietly struggle through the school day.

Here are some characteristics that may be apparent. Worth a look if you have students who are underachieving and appear to have difficulty beginning a task and staying focused.

• Doesn’t pay attention to details • Makes careless mistakes • Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted • Appears not to listen when spoken to • Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions • Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects • Gets bored with a task before it’s completed • Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items