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Published on August 28, 2011 by Ilays Educational Academy

ADD
Remember you are not making a diagnosis but simply trying to determine if it would be useful to refer the child onto professionals who are in a position to diagnose. Characteristics:

A sense of underachievement regardless of how much has been accomplished.
Often feeling overwhelmed. "Little things" add up to create huge obstacles. Not knowing where to start first - may simply not do anything.
Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started on tasks. May experience anxiety and be fearful that it won't be right.
Many projects going simultaneously. Either have a difficult time saying - NO or everything just may be so interesting. But - since there may be trouble seeing each project to the end, wind up with many things unfinished.
A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark. The child with ADD gets carried away with enthusiasm. As the idea comes, it must be spoken. An explanation often heard is "I'm just very honest!" While "honesty is the best policy", this often reveals inability to consider words before they are spoken.
Easily distracted and trouble focusing attention on something not of interest (i.e. not stimulating). May tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or a conversation. When interested in something (i.e. stimulating) can hyper focus on it and be difficult to reach.
Often creative, intuitive, highly intelligent. Looks at the world differently from someone who is not ADD. May be creative and intuitive.
Trouble going through established channels or following "proper" procedures. Since the world is seen differently, the "rule" may not make any sense to them, or they may be bored with the same routine.
Impatient and have a low tolerance for frustration. The impatience comes from their need for constant stimulation. Getting frustrated may remind them of previous failures.
Impulsive, either verbally or in action. The need for stimulation is exhibited as impulsive behaviour. (This is one of the more dangerous of the adult symptoms, or depending on the impulse, one of the more advantageous.)
Tendency to worry needlessly. They may always be looking for something to worry about, however, they may be inattentive and disregard dangerous situations.
Sense of insecurity. (Many adults with ADD feel chronically insecure, no matter how stable their life situation may be.) They often feel as if their world could collapse around them ("the bubble is always about to burst")
Frequent mood swings. They may find themselves going in and out of moods. They may get excited about something and then be let down. They may be feeling good one moment and then something (may be unconscious) may pull them back into unpleasant thoughts.
A restlessness or "nervous energy". They may have a difficult time "relaxing". They may pace, shift positions often while sitting, and frequently have to leave a room or table and feel edgy while at rest.
Tendency towards addictive behaviours. As a result of their impulsivity and seeking stimulation they look to an activity for their excitement.
Inaccurate self-observation. Whether they realise it or not, they are a poor observer of others and themselves. They don't accurately gauge the impact they have on other people and probably see themselves as less effective or more powerful than other people do.

The following information is from the Islamic Homeschool Diary, and is reproduced with permission. It is valuable information not found in Western textbooks. Teach your children about Muslim scientists and inventions that predated their rediscovery by the West, usually without credit being given. And if anyone has any additions or corrections, please add them in the comments.