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Attention Deficits

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Molly, Age 5



definition

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a biologically-based condition that affects the ability of the brain to screen out unimportant information. Rather than attending to a single activity, a person with ADD focuses on everything within his environment. This inability to pay attention to one thing when something else seems more interesting or stimulating is called "distractibility".

When an individual also exhibits behaviors associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity, he is said to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. He may not be able to sit quietly, wait his turn, or think through ideas before speaking.

Many people with learning disabilities and behavior disorders also have characteristics of ADD or ADHD. Five males for every one female are identified with ADHD, although there may be an under-identification of females. A medical doctor or psychologist can diagnose ADD or ADHD by identifying behaviors of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that are long-lasting and appear in different settings.