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What Is Adhd?

What is ADHD?

Melissa Harris

Ottawa University

What is ADHD?   ADHD was first described by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman in 1845 in a poem

for children.   It described a “fidgety” child and his adventures.   However, it was not until 1902

that Sir George Still prepared a lecture for physicians in London on this subject.   It included

information on a group of children displaying hyperactive traits that could not be attributed to

child rearing.   Currently ADHD can be exhibited in 3 different ways, hyperactivity-impulsivity,

inattentive, or a combination of the two.   The DSM-IV-TM defines symptoms of hyperactivity-

impulsivity as a feeling of restlessness often seen as fidgeting, running, climbing and leaving the;

seat during quiet work times; blurting out answers often with hearing the complete question; and

a difficulty waiting in line or for their turn.   In attention, which is often overlooked, is defined

using the following symptoms, easily distracted by the smallest things; careless mistakes and no

attention shown to details; not following directions carefully; losing items; and often starting

many tasks, but not finishing any of them.(www.nihm.nih.gov, March, 2008)

There are various symptoms that can be observed in a child with Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity disorder.   Some symptoms are most commonly seen at home while others are

usually seen in the classroom.   As a teacher certain symptoms may signal the need for an

evaluation of the student.   A student may fail to pay close attention to their work and make

careless mistakes.   A student may have poorly formed letters or words and messy handwriting.  

This student may have trouble sustaining attention on a task or chore.   This student may have

trouble following through on instructions and completing tasks.   They may show strong dislike or

avoidance of tasks that require sustained focus on a task.   Often a student with attention deficit...