Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The American Psychiatric Association officially terms the disorder "Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder." ADD is a neurological syndrome whose classic symptoms are impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity or excess energy. The terms ADD and AD/HD are often used interchangeably. It is a condition that occurs in varying degrees of intensity.

While the impulsivity of ADD may be viewed as a shortcoming, it often results in an unscheduled positive flow of creative energy and solutions. Although, an employee with ADD may often be distracted or shift their attention because they are easily bored and seek diversion quickly, they have the ability to intensely focus at times resulting in superb performance. Since ADD affects all areas of cognition, it will exacerbate other difficulties in learning. Auditory processing problems may also occur frequently with ADD, interfering with the brain's ability to comprehend fully what it "hears."

Creating external structure compensates for the lack of internal structure the person may be experiencing. Combining the individual's personal strengths with the most appropriate career will drive successful performance.

For more information, guidance and helpful tools as an employee, supervisor or parent of a person with ADD/ADHD please visit:

CHADD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
8181 Professional Place, Suite 150
Landover, MD 20785
Phone (301) 306-7070
http://www.chadd.org/ 

ADDA Attention Deficit Disorder Association
P.O. Box 543
Pottstown, PA. 19464
Phone (484) 945-2101
http://www.add.org/ 

NIMH National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm 

ADD Resources
http://w3.addresources.org/