Re: Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder in children
Kids are changing. We've been talking about that a lot at school. Even the younger teachers like me are noticing a clear shift. And veterans are noticing that current students are dramatically different from five years ago.
That being said, part of the shift is that the general population of the school is shifting. But there is more to it.
A lot of it is attached to ADD and ADHD. Even those students who are not diagnosed with these learning issues display some of the signs of them.
But it's not always a bad thing. For example, in my 12th grade English class we teach a lot of modern literature that is very challenging, where the narratives are not linear, where there is a lot of confusion about chronology, speaker, and narrator. Five years ago I would have to pause and really look at these moments in detail, walking the students through them to help them understand. Now, when I pause to explain they say, "Yeah we get it." In fact it is linear narratives in classic texts that they find confusing and hard to follow. Modern works that are more experimental and thought to be more challenging, actually more accurately reflect their mindset.
I know I'm not directly answering your question, but I just wanted to give you another perspective from someone who deals with multiple kids with learning differences (I really don't consider the disabilities) on a daily basis. I'm teaching at a very prestigious private school, where sometimes 50% of my class is diagnosed. ADD and ADHD are not indications of a lack of intelligence, and it can be very frustrating for a child who knows s/he is smart but can't function and follow-through due to ADD and ADHD.
Also, if you haven't seen it, the movie Tare Zameen Per is beautifully and thoughtfully done. They focus more on dyslexia, but ADD is also addressed.