How Many People in the United States Have Add?

Is enough being done?

Question: How many people in the United States have ADD? Answer: Probably between 8 million and 15 million, depending upon whose figures you believe. The sure fact is that ADD is not rare (Hallowell 11). This statistic shows that ADD and ADHD (a main type of ADD) are very prevalent today in the United States. The ADHD Information Library states, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - "ADD" or "ADHD" - affects about five percent (5%) of the children in the United States, and about three percent (3%) of all adults in the USA. The 5% number is a solid number supported by research. Even at 5% each classroom in America will have one or two (2) ADHD kids in the class. So it is a very real and very significant problem across America" (page 2/6). Some teachers are making efforts to help aid those students with ADD and AD/HD. Some teachers on the other hand are not doing anything to help students with ADD and AD/HD. But are teachers doing enough to assist students with ADD and/or ADHD?

What is ADD/ADHD?

The letters ADD stand for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, defines Attention Deficit Disorder this way in its fourth addition:

1. Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level: a. often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

b. often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

c. often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

d. often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior