Optometric and educational considerations in the management of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and to explore the options for management of children with the disorder. The areas that are addressed include 1) a history and definition of ADD/ADHD, the signs and symptoms, the theories behind why ADD/ ADHD occurs, the diagnostic procedures used to identify ADD/ ADHD children, the role of the optometrist in this process, an overview of the treatment options, 2) an aid for teachers in the understanding of the visual problems associated with ADD/ADHD and the visual effects of drug treatment and the effects this has on classroom learning, and 3) vision therapy techniques and methods of classroom modification that help alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.