Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that is more frequent and severe than behavior seen in individuals of a similar age. ADHD generally has an onset prior to the age of seven, but earlier symptoms may be diagnosed. While many children may exhibit some occasional signs of hyperactivity, those with ADHD exhibit a regular pattern of behavior at both school and home.

Gender and age affect the ways in which people with ADHD express their symptoms. ADHD diagnosis was reported approximately 2.5 times more frequently among males than females. The prevalence of reported ADHD increased with age and was higher among children nine years or older. Up to two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms in adulthood.

A common myth is that ADHD is a learning disability. ADHD is behavioral in nature and is characterized by impulsiveness and an inability to pay attention for more than a few minutes. This may cause some students to make mistakes in schoolwork or other tasks, but these mistakes are a result of their ADHD, not their ability to learn.

In the earlier years of research on attention deficit disorders, a distinction was made between Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, according to Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder although other definitions have existed, these are different labels for the same conditions and can be interchanged.

Suggestions to Improve Access and Positive Interactions

1. Be patient when communicating with someone with ADHD.
2. Give positive reinforcement.
3. Decrease the length of tasks and divide tasks into smaller parts to be completed at different times.
4. Take frequent breaks.
5. Keep a consistent daily schedule.