This digest examines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and symptoms of the disability. Pertinent adult problems include: (1) substance abuse, antisocial behaviors, and criminality, all of which can occur in adults with ADHD; (2) poor social skills or deficits in self-awareness are also frequent; (3) occurrence of ADHD with…

This book examines the characteristics and educational needs of unmotivated adolescents. It suggests that many of these students suffer from low self-esteem and are learning disabled and/or have an attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. It offers a definition of learning disabilities that emphasizes the presence of significant differences…

This paper explores the historical origins of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) as a neurological disorder, current neurological and genetic research concerning the etiology of ADD/ADHD, and implications for diagnosis and treatment. First, ADD/ADHD is defined and then the origins of ADD/ADHD as a…

Outlines a checklist that provides immediate, specific information on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child's behavior and academic performance. Lists objectives of the checklist, its content, and the ways in which the checklist is to be used. Claims that the checklist fosters teachers', parents', and children's cooperation. (RJM)

A follow-up study of 26 children (ages 5-13) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and low intelligence found that children identified with both characteristics have significant behavioral and emotional problems while in their early adolescence. A significant minority had problems at school and with the law. (CR)

This study compared children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mental retardation with children with only mental retardation on tasks involving sustained and selective attention. No compelling evidence emerged for sustained attention deficits in the ADHD children, though evidence suggesting selective attention deficits was…

This study examined the occurrence of symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 80 children adopted from Romania to Dutch parents. Findings indicated that 11 boys and 1 girl clearly showed ADHD symptoms, based on parents' ratings, and exhibited more externalizing behavior than the other children. These children more often…

Autonomic response to mental tasks requiring sustained attention were examined in 20 adolescents with autism and 20 controls. Cardiac autonomic function (CAF) was evaluated based on heart rate variability. While controls showed a significant decrease in the parasympathetic function during mental tasks, subjects showed no significant change in CAF.…

A study of three elementary school boys (ages 8-11) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, who were already receiving pharmacological treatment, investigated the effects of using a self-monitoring procedure to enhance their on-task behavior. Results found all three subjects increased in on-task behaviors when self-monitoring was used.…

Reviews the usefulness of functional analysis procedures for the assessment and treatment of behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Conclusions suggest that functional analysis may be particularly useful for identifying behaviors that are (or are not) maintained by social consequences and for the subsequent development…

Twenty ideas for collaborating with families of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) include: (1) providing information about ADD to families; (2) planning meetings to accommodate family members; (3) addressing the language needs of families; (4) helping family members develop their advocacy skills; and (5) helping families network with…

The second half of a story of a gifted student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this article discusses Doug's sophomore year in college and highlights his decision to move off campus to limit distractions and to start medication. He ended the year with a 4.0 grade point average. (Contains 4 references.) (CR)

This study examined relationships among eight teacher-reported problem behavior syndromes and standardized measures of academic achievement among 58 adolescents in an alternative school. Analysis suggested association between attention problems and academic achievement was primarily due to inattention component of the syndrome rather than the…

In an investigation of the distractibility of hyperactive children and controls (N=24) in a focused attention task, differences in task efficiency were not significant. Differences in error percentages were associated with IQ. Variable reaction times in hyperactives are not to be explained in terms of a focused attention deficit. (JW)

Examined group parent training program aimed at improving child compliance in families with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH) preschoolers. Evaluated treatment outcome by comparing groups on measures of parent-child interactions, compliance task, parent-supervised activities, and parent-completed Conners Hyperkinesis Index…