There is a difference between ADHD and ADD. The 'H' standing for hyper. My daughter is pure ADD, not a hyper bone in her body, most laid back person I know. She has always had trouble staying on task til completion. Outside distractions, no matter how slight throw her off track. If she then gives her attention to the distraction the original project is forgotten.

Through school she had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) which basically stated what might help her in the classroom and each teacher was made aware of this. If the teacher saw her off task she had a few simple ways to get her focused, such as putting a hand on her shoulder. Daughter knew these cues and refocused.

This worked through the younger years but became less used in High School. But by that time daughter had learned how better to direct her attention. She never wanted anybody to know, so shhhhhh!! She has always worked hard and often times I think she works harder then anybody else in the class because she is always struggling to stay focused.

I think what got her through was a pride in accomplishment. She was never told 'you can't do that', 'its to hard', but told to try it and stress was put upon 'do your best'. And that meant not using ADD as an excuse but do what you need to get it done. She has graduated college on the Dean's list (meaning all high B and A grades) with a degree in psychology. It was not easy and took her close to 6 years as she found it impossible to carry a full course load. But she did it!!

Lil, all that to say my only suggestion for your students is to teach them pride in finishing a project well. And they should never use ADD or ADHD as an excuse not to do something but rather they should try harder so they can say ' I did it in spite of!' I think alot is up to the parents though. This needs to be a partnership between home and school. Sadly many parents I know say 'Little Susie can't do that she has ADHD'. To that I say BS!! How to change the parents views I do not know. I wish you good luck with your students. I know many will do anything in thier power to get praise from a teacher. Use that to your advantage.