For my topic, I chose to research evidence-based instructional reading strategies for students with ADD and ADHD. To begin my research, I will clearly define the physical, emotional, and academic effects of both deficits. I will also provide reading strategies and appropriate prompts for these students. My goal is to better understand the challenges my students face with reading and to better meet their academic needs in my classroom. ADHD is defined as the presence of a biochemical disorder that does not allow people to perform to their full potential. ADHD is not a learning disorder. This is an entirely separate problem, but one that can be accompanied by a learning disability. ADHD is the preferred term that describes this particular disorder to include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms can be recognized as early as 2 to 3 years old. Whether you have children or not, you can easily identify these symptoms as normal. I know yes. Every day I am guilty of experiencing at least one of these symptoms as an adult. For this reason, it is important to remember not to rush into diagnosing or accepting a diagnosis without having a clear understanding of the learning difficulties an ADHD child will present. These symptoms will be constant and may seem uncontrollable. You may choose to consult a healthcare professional at this time. A doctor can test and diagnose the child, however, specialists suggest that the patient be seen by a phycologist. A psychologist is not a doctor and cannot prescribe medication. They will consider giftedness, temperaments, family issues, social issues, and disciplinary strategies. In this way, the child or adult in the middle of the sheet......the student facing the challenge of ADHD desires physical outlets in order to burn off energy and regain control of themselves . In evaluating my courses, I see an average of 493 students each week. In every class, there is at least one, if not several, students who suffer from ADD/ADHD. Most of the homework I prepare involves reading passages. This research has better prepared me to meet the needs of my students. Students with ADD or ADHD do not suffer from hyperactivity, but their challenges are just as real. Now that I understand the difference, I am confident in my ability to better meet their academic needs in the future. Works Cited http://www.webmd.com/add http://www.ldpride.net/addsub-types.htm http http://www.borntoexplore.org/diagnosis.htm http://www.additudemag. com/adhd/article/4026.html http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/Journals/Winter2011/Mahone