How many times have we heard teachers express their frustration with students who seem unable to pay attention in the classroom or who constantly interrupt their classmates? On many occasions, teachers have also recommended to parents the need to medicate their children for a suspected Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Paradoxically, the first to notice possible attention difficulties are usually the teachers themselves, which explains why they are the ones who most comment or express concerns about it. Over the years, the number of children diagnosed with ADD has increased significantly. However, many of these diagnoses do not always meet the actual criteria for the disorder, while other children who truly need help do not receive a proper evaluation. This leads us to question: What is “normal” behavior for a six-year-old child? How do I know if my child really has ADHD?

To answer these questions, it is first essential to understand what Attention Deficit Disorder is. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning. This set of skills allows people to stay focused, plan, multitask, follow instructions, regulate emotions, and manage memory.
Currently, there are three types of ADD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and combined attention and hyperactivity disorder.