Hallowell goes on to say that most �with ADD can hyperfocus at times�. Hyperactivity may or may not be present, and some children with ADD are quiet and dreamy. Hence, it is essential that a schoolteacher be educated as to what outer signs indicate a pupil�s particular condition.
The common use of the term �disorder� serves to perpetuate a misconception in our schools, by labeling those with ADD as a nuisance, a bother in our school system, and in need of segregation or sedation. It is a fact that many children and adults with ADD take advantage of their differences, including high energy, intuitiveness, creativity and enthusiasm. They respond brilliantly to stimulation, and hands-on activities, and often add unique energy to a lesson, when given support and understanding.
For the accepted Diagnostic terms for AD/HD, according to the DSM IV, please refer to this link.
III. How are Children who exhibit ADD symptoms different from other children?
All children are occasionally inattentive, impulsive, and overly active. In the case of AD/ HD, these behaviors are the rule, not the exception. However, until a proper evaluation is completed, it cannot be assumed that a child has AD/HD.
In fact, creative and gifted children show much of the same outer symptoms as children diagnosed with AD/HD, as we shall show in our chapter on further applications of our Arts based curriculum. In a classroom of limited stimulation, many pupils may show signs of inattention. Let�s examine classroom indication of possible AD/HD.
IV. Classroom signs of Inattention
A child with AD/HD is usually described as having a short attention span and as being distractible. (Distractibility refers to a short attention span and the ease with which children can be pulled off-task.)
Children with AD/HD can have difficulty with one or all parts of the attention process. Some children may have difficulty concentrating on tasks (particularly on tasks that are routine or boring). Others may have trouble knowing where to start a task. Still others may get lost in the directions along the way. A careful observer can watch and see where the attention process breaks down for a particular child.
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