The official definition of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) as it appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association is: ADD is a disorder that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also commonly called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is considered to be a medical condition that is estimated to effect 3 – 5 percent of all children. Although the disorder is most often identified in children, ADD can and does continue through the adult years. Scientific evidence suggests that the disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance or deficiency in certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that regulate the efficiency with which the brain transmits information).

Individuals with ADD may know what to do but do not consistently do what they know because of their inability to efficiently stop and think prior to responding, regardless of the setting or task.

The majority of adults with ADD have been described as experiencing symptoms very similar to the problems experienced by children. They are often restless, easily distracted, struggle to sustain attention, are impulsive and impatient. They have been described as experiencing problems with stress intolerance leading to greater expressed emotion. Within the workplace they may not achieve vocational positions or status commensurate with their siblings or intellectual ability.

Students with ADD may:

• Perform better at certain times of day
• Need to sit at the front of the class
• Need assignment organizers
• Experience difficulty following through with several directions at once
• Benefit from structure using lists, schedules

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WITH ADD

The services that students qualify for vary depending on their disability. Listed below are the services we have offered to eligible students with ADD. You need to make sure that you have your documentation on file and be registered with our office in order to receive any of these reasonable accommodations. More information is available through the office of Disability Services for Students.

Characteristics of Adults with ADD

Learning Strategies for ADD

Screening for ADD