Common developmental features that distinguish ADHD from mild attention or hyper-activity problems:

·       increased co-morbidity with other learning and psychiatric disorders

·       generally pervasive across situations

·       deviant from age-based standards

·       onset in early childhood

·       chronic over time

Characteristics of 3 sub-types:

Characteristics should be present before the age of 7 and in two or more separate settings (i.e. home and school.)

• Fidgeting or squirming
• Difficulty remaining seated during class, even when other students are able to do so
• Running or climbing excessively when it is not appropriate
• Difficulty playing quietly
• Acting as though he or she is "driven by a motor
• Talking too much
• Blurting
• Difficulty waiting his or her turn

Those with the combined type may exhibit features of both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive types, but are generally more like students with hyperactivity-impulsiveness.

• Failing to pay close attention to details and making careless mistakes that are inconsistent with the child's developmental level · 
• Failing to sustain attention to tasks and/or play activities · 
• Failing to listen, even when spoken to directly · 
• Failing to complete tasks · 
• Difficulty with organization · 
• Resisting working on tasks that require sustained attention

• Educational Interventions:
• IT ALL BEGINS WITH PLANNING!
• Use novelty in instruction and directions
• Maintain a schedule
• Emphasize time limits
• Provide organizational assistance
• Be brief and clear
• Arrange the environment to facilitate instruction
• Provide optimal stimulus
• Prepare students for transitions and support them during transitions Allow for movement and postures other than
  sitting.
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