You find your child stuck in an almost continuous daydream and they are easily distracted when they are required to complete daily tasks, homework and house chores. They may show a constant need to fidget and feel different from their peers at school. You begin to wonder if they could have ADD or ADHD - but what’s the difference? Is there a difference?
Initial research may lead to you seeing the two different terms being used interchangeably, seemingly without an obvious marked distinction. Many people use both terms to mean the same thing and sometimes that’s right, but not always.
Understanding the differences between ADD and ADHD
Broken down, ADHD is defined as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, where a person displays a pattern of inattention that can be combined with significant hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The result of these behaviors must have a notable impact on day-to-day quality of life for them to fall within the diagnostic criteria. Those with ADHD can be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive, or any combination of the three.
What was traditionally considered ADD was brought under the wider-ranging umbrella term of ADHD as a sub-type in 1994. Those that fall within this subtype do not display hyperactive behaviors. On the contrary, they can have lower energy levels and come across as extremely shy or “in their own world”.
They may be easily distracted, seem forgetful and disorganized, struggle to follow basic instructions, and make careless mistakes. The modern classification of this subtype is ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation and is what was previously regarded as ADD.
Conversely, to fall within the diagnostic criteria of the other two subtypes of ADHD, there must be considerable hyperactive and impulsive behavior. ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation and ADHD Combined Presentation incorporate what would be considered classic ADHD functioning, including an inability to sit quietly, interrupting others, and running and climbing over objects in situations where it may not be considered appropriate.
The latter category incorporates these traits along with the inattentiveness of previously named ADD.
As with everything, knowledge is power, and the more informed you are the better equipped you will be. If you want to know more on this subject, download our free “Guide to ADD/ADHD” where you will see a comprehensive breakdown of every acronym, label, and term.
Complex jargon is broken down into easy-to-understand sections, and you will walk away with a confident base with which to make informed, knowledgeable decisions that are right for you and your student.