Every day it seems like more and more people are accessing the Internet. As one reads the popular press it is almost impossible to avoid reading about this relatively new phenomenon, its rapid proliferation, and the effects its having on our society. At the same time, the popular press and professional literature report an ever increasing amount of information about attention disorders. There are discussions about ADD, with hyperactivity and ADD without hyperactivity. There is information on how it affects children and adults. There is no shortage of opinions on what should be done about it.

One of the few things that can be agreed upon is that there is an increasing awareness of the diagnosis given to many individuals who experience attentional conflicts. ADD is generally defined as a disorder involving deficits in self regulation and impaired ability to organize behavior (Barkley, 1990; Goldstein, 1997). ADHD individuals are more likely to be impulsive, distractible and have difficulty in response inhibition (Barkley, 1991). Researchers, clinicians, and educators estimate that from 1 to 2 in 10 people are effected by this disorder.

What better place for a person with fluctuating attention span and the impulse to move from topic to topic quickly to collect information than on the Internet. One can move from site to site with the click of a mouse and in a very brief span of time take in a variety of information that is interesting, provides frequent, immediate, consistent, reward that increases attention and performance while reducing impulsive restless behavior.

If one understands the nature of the disorder and the nature of the medium, it should be no surprise that there is a great deal of information on the Internet about attention disorders. A quick look at a few search engines will indicate the amount and variety of information that is available at the click of a mouse.

Keep in mind that there is no quality control on the net. Just because the information is present and available does not mean that it is accurate or useful. In many ADD sites you will find information on new and controversial and frequently unproven treatments ranging from diet to megavitamins. This does not mean that these new treatments should not be scientifically investigated. It does mean that, when using this medium, the consumer has to be a critical thinker-he or she must beware and use caution.

Also keep in mind that the nature of the medium allows the available information and its location to change very quickly. Considering the above caveats, feel free to visit the SelfhelpMagazine.com Resources department for specific sites of interest.

References:
Barkley, R.A. (1990). Associated problems, subtyping, and etiologies in ADHD: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. NY: Guilford Press.

Barkley, R.A., Anastopoulos, A. D., Guevremont, D. C., & Fletcher, K. E., (1991). Adolescents with ADHD: Patterns of behavioral adjustment, academic functioning, and treatment utilization. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 30. p. 752-761.

Goldstein, S. (1997). Managing attention and learning disorders in late adolescence and adulthood: A guide for practitioners. NY: Wiley & Sons, Inc.

5/28/98

Ken Gobbo is Assistant Professor of Social Sciences and Jon Bolaski is Director of Counseling Services at Landmark College, Putney, Vermont. Landmark College, a private coeducational institution, addresses the educational needs of students with dyslexia, attention deficit disorders, and other specific learning disabilities.