Using a set of qualitative measures, 12 regular children in kindergarten and 12 regular children in grade 3 were asked to express their attitudes toward 3 same-age peers with special needs (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or learning disabilities). Results indicated that the kindergarten children were more accepting than were the grade 3…

This article reviews research on three behavioral subtypes of attention deficit disorder (ADD): (1) without hyperactivity (ADD/WO), (2) with hyperactivity, and (3) with hyperactivity and aggression (ADDHA). Children with ADDHA appear to be at increased risk of having oppositional and conduct disorders, whereas children with ADD/WO show symptoms…

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often discipline problems, but their disruptive behavior is usually not willful or intentional. After describing the educational history of one person with ADHD, the article makes suggestions for disciplining children with ADHD in the classroom. (SM)

Questions concerning identifying and treating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are addressed, including whether ADHD is a handicapping condition, and what guidelines should be used for determining the need for educational services. A psychoeducational paradigm is presented to help school psychologists design effective programs for…

Questioning of teachers and mothers of 84 Israeli students (ages 7-10) classified as either hyperactive, learning disabled, both, or neither, found higher distractibility and hostility among hyperactive children whose families were also reported as less supportive. Learning-disabled students were characterized by dependent interpersonal relations…

This article notes efforts to include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a formal disability category and challenges the validity of assumptions that ADHD is a psychiatric disorder and is characterized by academic difficulties. Social and cultural factors are seen as fueling the perceived need for the ADHD category. (Author/DB)

A study examined 127 parents' understanding of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and differences by ethnicity, child gender, treatment status, and sociodemographic status. White parents were more likely than African-American parents to apply medical labels, expect a lifelong course, seek school interventions, and address academic…

Considers the nature of giftedness, including definitions of giftedness as they affect the self, different worlds at the extremes of intelligence, the psychology of exceptionality, identification of exceptionality, and the frequent misidentification of gifted children as having attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The need to identify hidden…

A study of 89 educators who participated in a workshop course on educating students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD), found these educators demonstrated increased knowledge, positive attitudes, and perceived competence for educating students with AD/HD. Course evaluations, journals, and interviews provided information about…

This study investigated early clinical differences between 27 children (ages 0-4) with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and 27 children with attention deficit disorder. Results revealed almost no differences between both groups with respect to pregnancy or birth complications and suggest that differences become more…

This study examined early childhood characteristics of 82 11-year- old boys with either reading disabilities (RD) only, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) only, or both conditions. At ages 3 and 5 the RD only boys had performed poorly on measures of receptive and expressive language, whereas the RD/ADHD groups performed poorly on…

Focuses on the nature of peer relationships of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children, including relationship problems that are commonly manifested in the areas of academic, conduct, and social problems. Finds that children with ADHD experience numerous peer difficulties and may benefit from specially designed intervention. (SD)

Comparison of 17 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder placed on methylphenidate drug therapy between first and second grade and matched controls found the methylphenidate group's achievement was lower both before and after medication, although after medication the group's rate of learning was similar to the control group's rate…

Gives a short history of attention-deficit disorder (ADD), describes characteristics of ADD, discusses a four-step plan for identification of ADD, and presents four types of management techniques: medical, environmental, classroom activity, and behavioral management. Stresses importance of cooperation and communication among teacher, parent, and…

Thirteen children (ages 5-11) with autism and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of methylphenidate. Eight subjects responded positively, decreasing their hyperactivity. Ratings of stereotypy and inappropriate speech also decreased, however, no changes were found…