ADD-Like Behaviors in Average People vs. People with ADD
| Behavior | Average person | Person with ADD* |
|---|---|---|
| Loses keys (they’re gone) | Once a year, at most | 4 or 5 times a year |
| Forgets important appointments | 2 to 3 times a year | At least monthly |
| Blurts out remarks that distress others | Once a month at most | At least weekly |
| Constantly moving about; can’t sit still | Not a problem | If person with ADD is hyperactive, a problem much of the time |
| Periods of attentiveness | An hour or two | A few minutes or, if very interested in task, 3–4 hours |
| Can think of creative ideas | Several a week | Constantly has ideas; it’s sorting them out that’s the problem |
| Late for work or other appointment | Rarely | Frequently |
| Agrees to do 3 things in same timeframe | Rarely | Frequently. Tries to do them all. Sometimes succeeds! |
| Loses important papers like checks | Rarely | Up to once a month |
* Person with ADD who has not developed accomodations to solve problems and/or is not taking ADD medications.