About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological disorder characterized by chronic inattention, and/or hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is associated with central nervous system dysfunction. Once considered to be a childhood disorder, it is now known that many symptoms continue into adulthood. Adults with ADHD are often restless, easily distracted, have difficulty sustaining attention and concentrating, are impulsive and impatient, have frequent mood swings and short tempers, are disorganized and fail to plan ahead. An abnormal sense of time passage may lead a student to delay work on a project, while organizational problems delay completion. A student with ADHD has difficulty in focusing attention, problems sustaining attention, or difficulty shifting attention from one task to another.

What Should the Instructor Know?
Students with ADHD may become impatient while waiting. Impulsivity may lead to nonproductive activity. In some cases, the "harder they try" to attend, the less productive they become. For some students, relaxation and moving slowly into the work allows them to be highly productive for a time. Awareness of time and personal organization are often disrupted. A student may hand in careless work. showing little attention to details, have difficulty with organizational skills, and may be forgetful and impulsive.

* Verbal and visual instruction combined will aid the student with ADHD

* Activities or group projects may prove more productive than lectures

* Extended time on tests is often requested, or testing in an alternate, less-distracting location. In some cases, an oral examination will prove more successful than a written format

* The instructor may notice performance variability from day to day.

* What works for one student may not work for another. Inquire of the student about specific strategies that might be most helpful to them.

What Should the Student Know?
* Students can benefit from learning to structure their environment. This may involve using an appointment book, personal computer, or tape recorder.

* Making a daily list of tasks, posting and carrying schedules, learning time management skills, and setting up a personal reward system may improve productivity.

* Medications alone are often sufficient to bring about substantial improvement in performance.

* Coaching may help the student work through organizational difficulties.

* Sitting near the front of the classroom can help the student avoid distractions. The study room should be a quiet workspace free of distractions.

* NCR paper can be requested for volunteer notetakers in class. The student should work with the professor in obtaining a volunteer notetaker.

* Testing accommodations should be made with the instructor well in advance. If the instructor prefers an alternate test site, please have them contact DS if they cannot provide this adjustment in the department.

* Tutoring services are provided on campus through the Learning Center in Hoffman. Hours are posted on the door.

* Writing Center is available for students who need help with writing assignments. The Writing Center is located in Hoffman right next to Disability Services.

* Assistance in Murray Library can be arranged through any of the librarians.

Diagnostic Criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [DSM IV]

Guidelines for diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Any further assistance or accommodations needed should be discussed with Keith Drahn, Director of Disability Services, Messiah College, Box 3059, 1 College Avenue, Grantham, PA 17027, Phone: (717)796-5382. Our offices are located in Hoffman 101 and 102.