Recognize - what is ADHD?
ADD or ADHD symptoms usually arise in early childhood with the onset before age seven. The disorder is marked behaviors that are long lasting and evident for at least six months. 

ADD - Primarily Inattentive Type:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.

• Has difficulty sustaining attention.

• Does not appear to listen.

• Struggles to follow through on instructions.

• Has difficulty with organization.

• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.

• Is easily distracted.

• Is forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD - Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.

• Has difficulty remaining seated.

• Runs around or climbs excessively.

• Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly.

• Acts as if driven by a motor.

• Talks excessively.

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

• Has difficulty waiting or taking turns.

• Interrupts or intrudes upon others.

AD/HD - Combined Type:

• Meets both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.

Diagnose

Children suspected of having ADHD must be appropriately diagnosed by a knowledgeable, well-training clinician (usually done by a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or pediatric neurologist). The ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center is able to accurately diagnose ADHD. Please contact our admissions office for more information.

Breaking the myths of ADHD

There has been an "over diagnosis" of ADHD in the past several years. Inattentiveness is only one symptom. Everyone who is inattentive is not ADHD. So many people say, "Oh, I am just a little ADHD." This is an over simplification of this disorder. ADHD is a significant disorder that effects people across multiple settings. If someone only has trouble at school OR only when doing homework, it is not ADHD. 

It is really important to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD because inattentiveness can also be a characteristic of other diagnoses. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is imperative. 

Treatment

An effective treatment protocol for ADHD contains several factors. The treatment process for ADHD includes...

Some children with ADHD also have additional learning difficulties. See the following links for additional information:

Reading Disorder

Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia

Disorder of Written Expression

Sensory Integration Disorder

Classroom Modifications for ADHD

• Posting daily schedules and assignments
• Calling attention to schedule changes and modifications
• Structure - setting aside specific times for specific tasks
• Breaking up assignments into smaller chunks 
• Teaching organization and study skills
• Frequent rewards and consequences for behavior
• Providing frequent breaks
• Pairing verbal and visual information while learning

National Resource Center on ADHD