Characteristics and Associated Conditions.

Myths

Before we begin to learn about the specific fscharacteristics of ADD and ADHD, it is important that you understand some of the myths about these two conditions that abound in our culture. These myths often guide, indeed control, how people react to children with ADD or ADHD even before they meet the child. You may recognize some of these from reading about or watching media presentations of children with these types of disorders. Click on the link below to review some of the more commonly encountered myths about ADD and ADHD.

Myths about ADD and ADHD

Current Research on ADD

With an increasing interest about ADD, more efforts have been initiated to learn about this disorder. Click on the link below to learn about current research on ADD.

Research on ADD

Primary Characteristics

Children with ADD and ADHD often evoke strong feelings from those around them. Their inability to concentrate, high levels of activity, and what appears to be thoughtless behaviors can be quite challenging. Click on the link below to read a teacher's perspective about having a child with ADD in her classroom.

ADD in the classroom

If you will remember from your reading, there are three primary characteristics of children with ADD or ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In reality these characteristics are not easy to separate. Many children with ADD or ADHD have combinations of these different characteristics. Click on each to learn more about how ADD or ADHD may present itself.

Because a child with ADD or ADHD may have combinations of these characteristics, three subtypes of ADD or ADHD have been developed and described: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined types. Most individuals have been found to have the combined type. In an initial study of the DSM - IV criteria (which you read earlier in your first activity for this topic) children referred for diagnosis as ADD were assessed. The following table summarizes distribution of children in this study.

Associated Characteristics

In addition to the three primary symptoms you have been learning about, there are several associated characteristics. Click on each box below to learn more about each associated characteristic.

Associated or Co-Occurring Disorders.

Children with ADD and ADHD have a higher than average probability of developing other co-occurring conditions. These conditions may include: learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders, anxiety, and depression. Click on each box below to learn more about the relationship of ADD to each disorder.

Go on to Personal Perspectives of ADD
or
Go back to Attention Deficit Disorder

E-mail Larry Gallagher at Larry.Gallagher@nau.edu

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