ADHD Glossary Terms of Terms

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is an outdated term that applies to the form of ADHD now known as Predominantly Inattentive. Some countries still use the term to identify adults with symptoms like excessive difficulties with concentration without the presence of

ADHD is an abbreviation of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. As defined in 5th version of the American Psychiatry Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), there are three main types of behavior in people with ADHD: ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI). ADHD-Predominantly

An ADHD coach is a trained professional who can assist people with ADHD by teaching effective strategies that can help them address the challenges of ADHD in day-to-day living. This requires developing structured programs, teaching skills, and planning strategies to

ADHD-Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) was used in earlier editions of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-1 through DSM-4) to denote conditions that don’t meet the full criteria for any specific disorder within a particular

Anxiety is not in itself a disorder. It can be a normal reaction to stress. Controlled levels of anxiety can, in many cases, be beneficial by alerting people to dangers and helping them to pay attention and prepare.  On the

Attentional bias is a psychological phenomenon that explains a person’s tendency to pay more attention to some stimuli than others. This bias can significantly influence people’s perceptions and actions since they are more likely to be influenced by what they

A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a structured plan that is designed to address specific behavioral issues in people diagnosed with ADHD. It is derived from a Functional Behavior Assessment that identifies the reasons for the behavior. It then uses

A Behavioral Contract (sometimes also known as a Behavior Contract) is an agreement between a person with authority over a child (usually a teacher, parent, or guardian) and the child him or herself.  It should set out in clear terms

Behavioral Modification and Behavior Therapy are types of behavior therapy that can be applied in treating ADHD. They are both based on the principles of behaviorism, a field of psychology that was significantly influenced by the work of B.F. Skinner.

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]) is a not-for-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD and their families. CHADD was founded in 1987 at a time when many clinicians and educators knew little

A Child Behavior Checklist is one component of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA), a methodology that is used to detect behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents. ASEBA collects and correlates information from three separate sources:

Classroom Behavior Management describes the guidelines teachers should apply to create an optimal learning environment to encourage positive behavior and academic engagement by their students while minimizing disruptions.  The primary components of Classroom Behavior Management are:  Students must understand the

A Clinical Trial (or Research Study) is a controlled, multi-phase process that evaluates the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of a new intervention, treatment, or approach that addresses a medical condition or disorder. In broad terms, a trial would follow these

If a person is diagnosed as having more than one condition or illness at the same time, these are called Co-Existing Conditions. Other terms used include Comorbidity, dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. These terms all mean the same thing. Some

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative patterns of thinking that a patient feels about him or herself, abilities, and future. It is a useful short-term approach for addressing ADHD in adults

Cognitive Restructuring is an element of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a process in which negative thinking patterns are identified as irrational thoughts and replaced with rational ones. It can be a component of a treatment plan for ADHD and

See Co-existing conditions.

There is no single diagnostically definitive test for ADHD. It is also a condition with a high rate of comorbidity. Diagnosis of the condition involves a wide range of tests. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether the subject

Conduct disorder is a type of behavior characterized by severe antisocial and aggressive behavior that frequently co-occurs with ADHD. It most often manifests in children and adolescents and is twice as prevalent in males as in females. Typical behaviors displayed

A child with ADHD can benefit from in-school behavior management programs. The Daily Behavior Report Card is a way for teachers and supervisors to communicate their evaluation of the child’s behavior in school with the child’s parents or guardians. The

Distractibility is a core and characteristic symptom of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It can significantly impact a person’s performance and behavior in the classroom, at work, at home, and in social interactions with peers. Distractibility is more predominant in people who

The fifth version of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) was released in 2013.

Dyslexia is one of the Specific Learning disabilities.  People with dyslexia have trouble recognizing and pronouncing words when they are seen in print. It is believed to be caused by a breakdown in communications between different areas in the brain,

Executive function refers to the mental skills that help people manage daily tasks and plan for the future. In people with ADHD, difficulties in executive function can cause difficulty in organizing tasks, managing time, controlling impulses, and setting goals. Children

FAPE is a legal term from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the U.S. It ensures that children with disabilities, including ADHD, have the right to an education tailored to their needs at no cost to the family.

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a critical process used to understand the type, purpose, and factors contributing to certain behaviors, particularly those that are disruptive or harmful. This process is essential in creating an effective Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

Functional impairment difficulties is a term describing some of the challenges that children with ADHD face in their daily lives due to the symptoms that they experience coming from the disorder. This can include struggles in academic performance, maintaining social

In people with ADHD, hyperactivity describes behavior beyond the typical energy levels. It is a persistent pattern of excessive physical activity often inappropriate for the situation. Children with hyperactivity frequently squirm in their seats, tap their hands or feet, or

Hyperfocus is a failure in the ability to shift focus when appropriate. Hyperfocus is an aspect of behavior people with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may exhibit. It manifests as an intense form of concentration, where the person becomes so deeply engrossed

Impulsivity in ADHD is characterized by hasty actions without proper planning and  forethought, often in situations where consideration of potential consequences would be expected. This can manifest in various ways, such as blurting out answers without waiting for a question

Inattention is a symptom of ADHD characterized by difficulty sustaining focus, not paying close attention to details, and often making careless mistakes in work or other activities. Individuals with attention deficit may not listen when spoken to, have trouble organizing

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an assessment conducted by a qualified professional who is an employee of the school or district. Parents of children with special education needs, such as ADHD can request an IEE at the school or district’s

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a customized educational plan developed for a student with a disability, including ADHD. It is designed to meet their unique educational needs. It includes specific educational goals and details the special education services and

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a Federal law that determines whether students with specific learning disabilities are eligible for special educational services. The law requires that a child’s school must provide

An intervention in the context of ADHD refers to a specific strategy or set of strategies designed to address specific symptoms and improve the individual’s functioning. Interventions can be behavioral, educational, or medical. Behavioral interventions might include therapy or behavior

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a component of IDEA. It mandates that children with disabilities should be educated as part of the broader population to the greatest extent appropriate. The idea is to avoid unnecessary segregation and ensure students with

In the context of ADHD, a medication holiday (or drug holiday) refers to a planned and temporary cessation of ADHD medication. This may be done when the full benefits of medication are not required, such as during school breaks or

Mental health therapists is a term that includes counselors and psychotherapists. They provide therapy and counseling to manage the emotional and behavioral aspects of ADHD. They work with individuals to develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and address any coexisting mental

In relation to ADHD, modification involves altering the environment, tasks, or expectations to suit the needs of an individual with ADHD. This could mean breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, providing additional time for assignments, using visual aids to

Multimodal treatment is an approach to treating ADHD which involves a combination of different methods. It could include medication, dietary supplements, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and educational support. The idea is to address the different aspects of ADHD comprehensively.

Negative self-talk refers to any critical or pessimistic thoughts that individuals with ADHD may have about themselves. It can affect self-esteem and overall mental health. Addressing negative self-talk can be a key component of therapy for ADHD.

The term Neurobehavioral in the context of ADHD refers to the interplay between the brain’s neurological functions and an individual’s behavior. ADHD is often characterized as a neurobehavioral disorder because symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are closely linked

Neurologists may come to be involved in diagnosing and treating ADHD when symptoms overlap with other neurological disorders. They focus on understanding any neurological basis of the symptoms and may conduct brain imaging or other neurological tests to rule out

Neuropsychologists specialize in understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior. In ADHD, they assess cognitive functions like attention, memory, and executive functioning and help in differentiating ADHD from other neurological conditions.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. For people with ADHD, the most relevant neurotransmitters are dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are key in attention, executive functioning, and impulse control. ADHD is often associated

Non-stimulant medications for people with ADHD differ from stimulant medications because they do not increase levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain as rapidly. They can be an option for treating ADHD symptoms in individuals who

An Occupational Therapist can assist individuals with ADHD in developing practical life skills. They focus on improving fine motor skills, organizational skills, and time management and may also help create strategies to manage sensory processing issues that can co-occur with

Peer rejection refers to the experience of being excluded or rejected by peers. Children with ADHD, owing to their behaviors coming from impulsivity, hyperactivity, or difficulty in following social cues, may face challenges in social interactions, leading to peer rejection.

Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) is a strategy widely used in schools, and this approach is often beneficial for children with ADHD. It involves understanding the reasons behind unwanted behaviors and using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain crucial for executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, self-control, and moderating social behavior. It is often implicated in the disorder in individuals with ADHD coming from delays in prefrontal cortex

Progress monitoring refers to systematically assessing a child with ADHD’s performance and behavior. This can involve tracking improvements or changes in symptoms, academic performance, or behavior in response to interventions or treatments. The goal is to understand the effectiveness of

Prosocial behavior refers to voluntary actions intended to benefit or help others, such as sharing, comforting, rescuing, and helping. In children with ADHD, fostering prosocial behavior can be an important part of their development. This can include teaching empathy, cooperation,

Psychoeducational testing evaluates a child’s psychological and educational strengths and weaknesses. It is used to diagnose learning disabilities, ADHD, and other issues. The results can help in developing an effective educational plan.

Psychologists are specialist healthcare providers who diagnose and treat ADHD through behavioral therapy and counseling. They help children and adults with ADHD develop coping strategies, improve social skills, and address any emotional issues, such as low self-esteem or anxiety, that

The Rebound Effect has special meaning in the context of ADHD medication. It refers to the exacerbation of symptoms as the medication wears off. This can show up as an increase in hyperactivity, impulsivity, or moodiness. It is more frequently

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a process used in schools as a part of the process for identifying students with ADHD. It is designed to help students struggling academically or behaviorally. It involves providing interventions at increasing levels of intensity

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. Under Section 504, students with disabilities, including those with ADHD, are entitled to receive FAPE. This

Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in accordance with long-term goals. In the case of people with ADHD, self-regulation may be significantly impaired, leading to difficulties in controlling impulses, staying on task, organizing activities,

Sensory Integration Disorder: This condition, sometimes seen in children with ADHD, involves difficulty processing sensory information like touch, sound, and movement. Children with sensory integration disorder may be overly sensitive to their environment or seek out intense sensory experiences.

Specific learning disability is a medical term defined by DSM-4 used for the classification of children with specific disorders. Educational systems more commonly use the term learning disorder. The recognized conditions that lead to the diagnosis of a specific learning

Speech or Language Impairment is the term that refers to difficulties in communication, which can sometimes occur in children with ADHD. It may involve problems understanding what is being said, expressing thoughts clearly, or articulating words properly.

Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are supposed to work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve concentration and focus while

Target Behavior is a term used to refer to a specific behavior chosen for modification or intervention. In treating ADHD, target behaviors might include interrupting others, not completing tasks, or fidgeting excessively. The focus is on changing these specific behaviors

A Token Economy System is a behavior management technique often used for children with ADHD. It involves granting tokens or points as rewards for positive behavior, which can be exchanged for gifts or privileges. This system can help motivate children

Working memory describes cognitive functions that are important for temporarily holding and manipulating information. Working memory is often impaired in individuals with ADHD. This can affect abilities like following instructions, solving problems, and completing tasks that require holding several steps