Attention disorders are common in children, adolescents, and adults. Some students who have attention disorders appear to daydream a lot; even if you do get their attention, they can be easily distracted. Individuals with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have trouble organizing tasks or completing their work. They don’t seem to listen to or follow directions, and their work might be messy or appear careless. Although in legal and medical terms they are not strictly classified as learning disabilities, ADD and ADHD can seriously interfere with academic performance, leading some educators to classify them along with other learning disabilities.3
If you have trouble paying attention or getting organized, you won’t really know whether you have ADD or ADHD until you are evaluated. Check out resources at your college or in your community. After you have been evaluated, follow the medical advice you get, which may or may not mean taking medication. If you do receive a prescription for medication, be sure to take it according to the doctor’s directions. In the meantime, if you’re having trouble getting and staying organized, whether or not you have an attention disorder, you can improve your focus through your own behavioral choices. The National Institute of Mental Health offers the following suggestions for adults with attention disorders:
Adults with ADD or ADHD can learn how to organize their lives by using “props,” such as a large calendar posted where it will be seen in the morning, date books, lists, and reminder notes. They can have a special place for keys, bills, and the paperwork of everyday life. Tasks can be organized into sections so that completion of each part can give a sense of accomplishment. Above all, adults who have ADD or ADHD should learn as much as they can about their disorder. (www.nimh.nih.gov/