I just recently stumbled across this article by a Dr. Thomas E. Brown on a new model for the definition of ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder. Those of you that know me in person may be well aware that I have mild ADD, and many time have to fight with it to get even simple homework assignments done. Most of the literature that is mainstream on ADD seems to just write it off as an inability to focus, and unfortunately, most people accept that definition as more than enough. What struck me about Dr. Brown’s model was its breakdown of the different Executive Functions that ADD impairs. Below is a simple copy of that chart.
Patients with ADD describe chronic difficulty with excessive procrastination. Often they will put off getting started on a task, even a task they recognize as very important to them, until the very last minute. It is as though they cannot get themselves started until the point where they perceive the task as an acute emergency.
Which is an experience far too real for me, and :
Some describe their difficulty in sustaining focus as similar to trying to listen to the car radio when you drive too far away from the station and the signal begins fading in and out: you get some of it and lose some of it. They say they are distracted easily not only by things that are going on around them, but also by thoughts in their own minds.
Its the best description I have come across in a long time. I encourage anyone who wants to read more on Dr. Brown’s website.
I, too, stumbled upon Dr. Brown’s book and it paints such a complete picture of ADD that, as you said, is usually spoken about as simply difficulty paying attention. His model so clearly explains and outlines how the impairment affects every part of a person’s life. It was VERY gratifying to finally find a description of what I’ve been living.
I have been surprised how well Dr. Brown describes ADD ( not ADHD) as a syndrome and how to handle the affected person and families. I am a Special Ed Teacher and think always in the little or none real services we are able to give to the affected students.We treat this delicate issue as that does not need very special attention Regular teachers are now imposed to work with the students causing irreparable damage because of the lack of knowledge. We as Special Ed teachers have been ignored and have not been considered with our expertise and knowledge. Thumbs up for Dr. Brown for his description and advise. This book has to be incorporated in the resent studies of all the teachers.