Attention Deficits

According to the DSM-IV-TR (the diagnostic manual used by physicians), AD/HD can occur in three forms: the inattentive type of attention deficit (some examples are trouble organizing activities, forgetfulness, difficulty sustaining attention for long periods), the hyperactive-impulsive type of attention deficit (some examples are excessive talking, constant motion, restlessness, appears impatient, interrupts others) and the combined type, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (examples include a mix of the above symptoms).

Other difficulties experienced by students with an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lie in the area of organization and time management that can affect both academic and social functioning.Getting started on a task, organizing and planning the activity, and persisting with the task to completion is often a challenge.Missing deadlines on assignments, forgetting test schedules, coming to class on the wrong day or missing appointments are quite common.

Children diagnosed with these deficits may experience enduring symptoms that persist in adulthood that can affect academic, social, and occupational functioning.It is treatable through a combination of medical intervention, compensatory strategies and accommodations that will manage the symptoms.Please visit Totally ADD for more online information!

Accommodations and Supports

Some of the most commonly provided academic accommodations to students who have attention deficits include

• Note taking support and/or permission to record lectures
• Exam accommodation (access to a computer to organize and edit, extra time, quiet space)
• Short breaks to help the student refocus attention (testing situations included)
• Time extensions on assignments (to be negotiated ahead of time between student and professor)
• advance syllabus prior to the start of classes

This page last modified Monday, 29-Aug-2011 15:22:17 ADT