THE CHALLENGE OF ATTENTION-DEFICIT DISORDER IN CHILDREN WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD-OF-HEARING

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common cause of school problems. Yet, the condition has not been examined extensively in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. In this article, the varying manifestations and subgroups of the condition and its impact on the behavior and performance of these children are discussed. Its prevalence is examined by a review of die literature and an analysis of studies at a state residential school for the deaf. In this population, the prevalence appears to be similar to that reported in hearing children; however, some subgroups of deaf children, such as those with acquired hearing loss, are at greater risk Recent legislative initiatives concerning the condition are discussed, as are challenges for managing the problem and directions for future research.