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Definitions

ADD / ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorders
(also includes Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders)

The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD for short) exist on a continuum. Everybody has some of these symptoms some of the time. However, individuals with ADD have more of these symptoms more of the time and to the point that it interferes with their ability to function normally in academic, work and social settings, and to their potential.

People with ADD are often noted for their inconsistencies. One day they can "do it," and the next they can’t. They can have difficulty remembering simple things yet they remember complex issues.

Typically, they have problems with following through on instructions, paying attention appropriately to what they need to attend to, seem not to listen, are disorganized, have poor handwriting, miss details, have trouble starting tasks or with tasks that require planning and long-term effort, appear to be easily distracted, or forgetful. In addition, some people with ADD can be fidgety, verbally impulsive, unable to wait their turn, and act on impulse regardless of consequences But, remember -- not all people with ADD have all of these difficulties, nor all of the time.

Because society has traditionally thought of a person with ADD as being "hyper," many children who have ADD with no hyperactivity are not being identified or treated. Individuals with ADD without hyperactivity are sometimes thought of as day-dreamers or "absent-minded professors". The non-hyperactive children with ADD most often seem to be girls (though girls can have ADD with hyperactivity, and boys can have ADD without hyperactivity).

Additionally, because of the ability of an individual with ADD to over-focus, or "hyper-focus" on something that is of great interest or highly stimulating, many untrained observers assume that this ability to concentrate negates the possibility of ADD being a concern, especially when they see children able to pay attention while working one-on-one with someone, doing something they enjoy, or who can sit and play an electronic game or watch TV for hours on end.

ADD is not a learning disability. Although ADD obviously effects the performance of a person in a school setting, it will also effect other domains of life, which can include relationships with others, running a home, keeping track of finances, and organizing, planning, and managing most areas of one’s life.

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Acalculia

The inability to perform simple problems of arithmetic.

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Dyscalculia

Symptoms frequently include:

1. The inability to visualize numbers in math situations
2. difficulty sequencing or organizing detailed information
3. difficulty remembering specific facts and formulas for completing math calculations
4. difficulty with arithmetic (adding. subtracting, multiplying, and dividing)

Some develop a "fear" or "phobia" of math either because of negative experiences in their past, inconsistent educational experiences, or lack of self-confidence.

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Dysgraphia

Symptoms frequently include:

1. the reversing of letters and numbers
2. writing words backwards
3. writing letters out of order
4. very sloppy handwriting
5. difficulty sequencing and organizing detailed information
6. they often have difficulty with the sequence of letters and words as they write
7. experiences rather extreme difficulty with the "mechanics" of writing (spelling, punctuation, etc.)

When slowing down or getting "stuck" with the details of writing dysgraphic persons often lose the great thoughts that they are trying to write about. Their "conceptual" processing skills are often quite strong enabling them to express "deeper meaning" in spite of difficulty with the details.

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Dyslexia

Symptoms frequently include:

1. reading words backwards
2. headaches when reading
3. slow choppy reading
4. skipping words or lines
5. seeing letters reversed, inverted, and/or transposed
6. difficulty staying focused on the material
7. avoids reading
8. can become dizzy, stressed, and/or tired when read
9. substituting or inserting words when reading

Sometimes the reading comprehension of such a student is surprisingly good in spite of the difficulty decoding specific words.

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Hyperactivity

Symptoms frequently include:

1. excessive fidgeting
2. difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
3. shifting from one uncompleted activity to another
4. difficulty playing quietly
5. talking excessively
6. interrupting or intruding on others
7. appearing not to listen to what is being said
8. losing things
9. difficulty in remaining seated
10. being easily distracted
11. difficulty waiting their turn or participating in group situations
12. blurting out answers to questions and interrupting
13. difficulty following instructions

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