ADD/ADHD According to the DSM-IV, "the essential feature of ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (p.78). Relevant information pertaining to this diagnosis as it applies to the specific academic environment must be included.
It is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common behaviors include distractibility (poor sustained attention to tasks), impulsivity (impaired impulse control and delay of gratification), and hyperactivity (excessive activity and physical restlessness). According to epidemiological data, approximately four to six percent of the U.S. population has ADD (JAN Network).
Major Life Activity: Examples of major life activities include walking, sitting, standing, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.
Current Functional Limitation: A substantial impairment in an individual's ability to function with respect to the condition, manner, or duration of a required major life activity.