Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
What is Attention Deficit Disorder?
Attention Deficit Disorder is actually two related, but different, disorders: Hyperactive (ADHD) and Inattentive (ADD) attention deficit disorders. It is possible to have both disorders at the same time.
- Both are neurobiological disorders, meaning that the brain is not functioning normally. This difference is usually genetically based.
- Behavior differences are the result of the unusual brain function. There is, in both, a basic difficulty in controlling attention and activity, rather than an attention deficit.
- Attention and behavior are consistently inconsistent.
- A student with ADD may often have a difficult time with: concentrating on tasks for a sustained period of time, screening out unwanted stimuli (such as noise in a studio or classroom), organizing information, establishing and following schedule.
MassArt has a number of services available for students with diagnosed or undiagnosed ADD/ADHD.
For more information please call (617) 879-7760 or email counseling@massart.edu.