Billy has trouble following instructions, completing tasks and does not seem to listen to what is being said to him. This disorder affects about 3 to 6 percent of the population. It is important for parents and educators to know about this disease that affects so many people. This page is designed to give a brief overview of ADD and give you ways to find more information. Definition of ADD ADD is used to describe children who have high levels of distractibility, inattention, impulsiveness, boredom and they may or may not have hyperactivity.
ADD is a neurological based disorder.
It is caused by a malfunction in the transmitter systems of the brain. It is found in the frontal lobes, the inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex, the limbic system and or the reticular activating systems. A child with ADD can have malfunctions in one, two, three or all the areas. If there is malfunction of the inhibitory mechanisms, one would not be able to inhibit behavior that is not suitable. They don't have total control over their inhibitions.