Attention Deficit Disorders: New Responsibilities for the Special Educator

Authors

  • Janet W. Lerner
  • Barbara Lowenthal

Abstract

Attention deficit disorders (ADD) is a condition that is of growing concern for  many parents and school personnel, including learning disabilities specialists, other special educators, and regular educators. Recent actions of the United States Department of Education recognize that children and youth with attention deficit disorders are eligible for services under one of the existing categories of IDEA orunder Section504 ofthe Rehabilitation Act. In response to the concern about serving students with ADD, the Department of Education has established five centers to study the condition of ADD. This article provides some basic information about attention deficit disorders. The article discusses the characteristics of attention deficit disorders, historical perspectives on ADD, methods for assessing ADD, and methods oftreatment. Multimodal treatment for ADD is widely recommended and includes medication, educational intervention, behavior management, and family training and counseling.

Issue

Section

Articles