Many people are still using the terms ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Some use these terms interchangeably, and others specifically use ADD when referring to individuals who do not have the symptoms of hyperactivity. However, the most current and official term or acronym is ADHD (with or without the slash).
Did you also know there are three (3) types of the disorder?
The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD (those without hyperactivity)
The predominantly hyperactive / impulsive type of ADHD (those without a significant number of the inattentive symptoms)
The combined type (the most common type of ADHD -- those with a significant amount of symptoms in all three core areas:
Inattention
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
In this YouTube video, Dr. Todd Grande has elaborately described the most obvious symptoms of someone who has a predominantly inattentive type of ADHD. Click here to watch the video.
In his video, he enumerated that the symptoms for people with predominantly inattentive type of ADHD has or is:
failing to pay attention and most will look like they are 'spacey' or daydreaming (thoughts are elsewhere)
trouble sustaining attention or has difficulty keeping that attention in their tasks and play activities
does not seem listen when spoken to directly
does not follow through with instructions or difficulty remember and following directions
trouble organizing tasks and most does not complete work, resulting in many incomplete assignments
does not like tasks that require sustained mental effort or has difficulty keeping that level of alertness to tasks that are tedious, perceived as boring or not of one's choosing (e.g. schoolwork or homework)
losing items needed to complete tasks
easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (sights, sounds, movement in the environment)
forgetful in daily activities
Children will typically show a pattern of symptoms by or before the age of 12 in order to be diagnose with ADHD of predominantly inattentive subtype.
Symptoms will need to be interfering with your normal day-to-day life for a diagnosis to be made.
This type of ADHD subtype is normally or more commonly referred to as ADD. Most people see them as "not trying" or "lazy".
Should you know someone showing these 9 symptoms , these should be causing issues or already interfering their functioning at school, home , social situations and even at work.
Here are some academically related symptoms you might also observe if someone has ADD:
Appears confused
Easily overwhelmed
Has difficulty initiating or getting started on tasks
Has difficulty working independently or they have a need to refocus their attention to tasks
Gets bored easily
Fails to pay attention to details and makes many careless mistakes (with math computation, spelling, written mechanics - capitalization, punctuation)
Has poor study skills
Inconsistent performance - one day is able to perform task, the next day they cannot; the student is "consistently inconsistent"
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities like toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools
Disorganized -- misplaces or loses belongings; desks , backpacks, lockers , and rooms maybe total disaster areas
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities like planning, scheduling, preparing
Little or no awareness of time -- often underestimates length of time a task will require to complete
Procrastinates
Displays weak executive functions as described below
Since we have talking about the Academic shortcomings of children with ADD, I think it will be helpful for educators to also learn some...
Do's and Don'ts for Teachers
Advice For the teachers
Do not assume the student is deliberately not performing because you have observed that at times he or she is able to perform a particular task or assignment
Do remember that inconsistency is a hallmark characteristic of this ADD. Sometimes they can do the work and sometimes they cannot.
Do not assume the student is lazy or apathetic.
Do realize that students with ADHD are typically not lazy, but have neurobiological reasons for their poor performance and lack of productivity in the classroom (or even at home if they are doing online learning or homeschooling)
Do not give up on any student. I believe this is the MOST IMPORTANT.
Do know how much it matters that you believe in them, maintain high expectations, and give your best effort to help them succeed (no matter how difficult and frustrating it may be)
Do not forget the quiet students in the background who can easily go through the school year unnoticed and anonymous.
Do realize that these are students who are often in greatest need of support and intervention.
Do not surround yourself with negative peers who are critical of students, not open to new techniques and strategies, and not updating their skills.
Do keep a positive attitude and associate with colleagues who also have a positive mindset. Keep learning and growing. Take advantage of professional development opportunities.
Do not listen to previous teachers who only want to pass on the negative traits and characteristics of certain students to you.
Do assume the best of each child. Allow every student to start the year with a fresh clean slate.
Do not make assumptions about a child who is from a culture or ethnicity other than your own, based on your limited awareness or understanding of that culture.
Do make every effort to be culturally sensitive, gain understanding of that culture and family's perspective , and try to bridge that culture barriers that may exist. This is particularly important to be able to effectively discuss a student's learning, behaviors and need for evaluation and services.
Most people with ADHD will have good social skills, are able to use their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses, and can manage daily life successfully. But they do need support.
Nurturing teachers play a key role in lifting the self-esteem of children who struggle academically, by helping them see their particular gifts. Knowing the symptoms of ADHD, teachers can spot the disorder more easily and know how to respond. The feedback you give can help students cope well with ADHD in order to participate fully in schoolwork.
My goal in this post is to shed light on the characteristics of students with ADHD-PI so that there can be more support and understanding for them. You will still have to make accommodations for them, but you might be surprised by how much you can do.
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