Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a diagnosis, which has increased dramatically over the last few years. This issue has both a medical and emotional side to it making discussion of the topic sometimes difficult. There are many children who seem to be uncontrollable both at home and in the classroom. This has teachers and parents clamoring to have these children placed on medication. There are many doctors who feel that this disorder is over diagnosed. They feel that children are being placed needlessly on mind-altering medication.

There are many things that may mimic AD/HD. One of the most common is learning disabilities. This is one of the most important things to rule out when considering AD/HD. If a child has difficulty learning he is going to become bored, and is not going to be attentive or cooperative. However, having a learning disability does not mean that the child wouldn't also have AD/HD. "It is estimated that up to 40 percent of children with AD/HD also have some other learning disability"(Lerner 2). Formal testing for learning disabilities is crucial to make sure it is not playing at least some role

In 1987 the name again changed from ADD to ADHD. Researchers stated that although distractibility was a primary factor in this syndrome, hyperactivity was also a key characteristic for most to be diagnosed with ADHD. The ADD/noH type was replaced with "Undifferentiated Attention Deficit Disorder"(U-ADD).

In 1991, The U.S. Department of education issued a Policy Clarification Memorandum which recongized children with ADHD as eligible for special education and related services under the "other health impaird" or other existing categories of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) and section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation act of 1973.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)