Response to ADD

The two disabilities that I am comparing are very different disorders. They are classified differently, defined differently and they have very different characteristics. They accommodations and modifications are also very unlike.
ADD is classified under the category as Other Health Impairments where eating disorders are classified under Emotional Disorders: Internalizing. ADD and emotional disorders in general have one similarity and that is it has an effect on a child’s educational performance but for eating disorders that is not usually the case.
The developmental characteristics are dissimilar also. A child with ADD will often appear forgetful, unable to concentrate or have organizational problems. A child will an eating disorder will have more psychological issues that have to do with themselves such as distorted body image or experience depression or anxiety. Eating Disorders are similar to ADD in the way that it can be hard to be identified in a child. Often times with ADD, adults think the child is lazy or being defiant. With the children that are socially withdrawn that have a eating disorder it usually goes unnoticed because these children do not draw attention to themselves.
Children with ADD and an eating disorder require different types of modification and accommodations. People with an eating disorder need a lot of support and positive influence whereas children with ADD need help with educational aspects such as organizing their notebooks and making sure the books and materials that need to be at school or home are in the appropriate places. One thing that can work for both of these disabilities and any other one is creating an accepting atmosphere. Sometimes the other kids in the class pick up on the students with disorders even though they aren’t physically noticeable and they alienate them. Creating an environment that is accepting and a classroom that has a zero tolerance for bullying can help to eliminate this. Also group work is good for the children because it will pair them with someone that maybe they will form a bond with. This can be helpful socially for students will ADD and a student suffering from an eating disorder.