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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

attention deficit disorder

Learn more about attention deficit disorder

The diagnosis of ADHD
Diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been on the rise since the 1990s. This article discusses the appropriate criteria under which ADHD should be diagnosed and considers the consequences of misdiagnosing — or not diagnosing — ADHD.
Format: article
By Jennifer Job.
Nothing exceptional
For teachers, the task is to determine which strategies will help students with learning disabilities succeed, both in our classrooms and beyond.
By Janet Ploghoft.
Can Americans define the term "learning disability?"
This article examines the statistics surrounding what Americans know — and don't know — about learning disabilities. The results highlight the necessity of educating parents and teachers more comprehensively about learning disabilities and what causes them.
Format: article
By Jennifer Job.
Changing the focus from label to need
Labeling a student's disability is an important step in procuring special education services for that student. But is there a downside to labeling students? This article looks at four commonly held — but ultimately misleading — beliefs about labels in special education, and advocates for focusing on needs rather than labels.
Format: article
By Jennifer Job.
Digital game-based learning
Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is an instructional method that incorporates educational content or learning principles into video games with the goal of engaging learners. Applications of digital game-based learning draw upon the constructivist theory of education.
Format: article
By Heather Coffey.

Find all 9 resources in our collection.

A family of neurobiological disorders characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inability to sustain attention and concentration.

Additional information

Students recognized with ADD are now recognized as handicapped under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which guarantees special education services to children with disabilities from ages 3 to 21. ADD is thought to affect between 3 and 5 percent of school-aged children, occurring three times more often in boys than girls. Treatment can be a combination of behavioral and medical intervention (such as Ritalin).

ADD vs. ADHD. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they may also be used to distinguish between disorders that, while neurobiologically similar or identical, manifest themselves differently. In this case, ADD is the more general term, while ADHD describes a disorder that manifests itself in hyperactivity. The organizations whose websites are listed below offer more information about the various manifestations of ADD/ADHD and the uses of the two terms.

Examples and resources