Terms to Know

If you are affected by ADHD, you probably have lots of questions. 

See our complete list of Frequently Asked Questions. Also, there are many terms you should be familiar with. Here is a list of terms to help you understand more about ADHD.

ADHD = attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This is the official name given this condition by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-IV-TR). Learn more...

ADD = attention deficit disorder (this is an older term for ADHD, but still often used). Learn more...

Behavior Modification / Management = Learn more...

FAPE = Free Appropriate Public Education. Learn more...

IDEA = The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is one of the main federal laws that protect the rights of students with disabilities in publicly funded educational settings. Learn more...

IEP = Individual Education Plan. Learn more...

Multimodal Treatment = ADHD in children often requires a comprehensive approach to treatment; this "multimodal" approach includes multiple interventions working together, tailored to the unique needs of the child. Learn more...

Section 504 = "Section 504" is a civil rights law and the name refers to a particular section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal funding. Learn more...

Stimulant Medication = the class of medications most frequently used for the treatement of ADHD. Learn more...

For in-depth information on this and many other topics,
see the complete list of  What We Know info sheets on ADHD.