Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) describes a persistent pattern of inattention more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals of a comparable level of development. Diagnosis of ADD should only be given by a medical practitioner or psychologist.

Features of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) include:

• Deficits in attention to detail – particularly in schoolwork
• Careless, messy work that is inadequately thought through
• Impersistence – failure to complete tasks and shift from one uncompleted task to another
• Daydreaming – does not appear to listen or follow conversations or instructions
• Organisational problems
• Lack of forward planning
• Avoidance of tasks that require sustained attention or self application
• Stimulus bound – distracted by irrelevant stimuli within the environment
• Unable to stay on a task
• Difficulty following conversations, frequently interrupts and/or changes the subject midstream

Several of these features must coexist for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
NDD is not the primary cause in all children given these diagnoses. However, it can be an underlying factor in many.