Is there and education field that deals with ADD and ADHD?

Question

I know there is a shortage of special ed teachers in the US. But, it's such a large area. Can I specialize in ADHD and learning disabilities? I am looking into getting a master's, but my interests are specific.

Answer 1

Teaching students with ADD and ADHD in California, in the USA, involves having a bachelors degree in special education and a credential in mild-to-moderate disabilities.

Answer 2

ADHD children don't receive special ed services unless their learning is affected. If so, they are tested by a psychologist and special ed services are delivered under the category Other Health Impaired.

Different states call their Master's different things. In Florida it is called Varying Exceptionalities. Your state may call it something else. At any rate you will be dealing with students who are classified as having a Specific Learning Disability. This includes OHI students and it is a fascinating field.

I suggest you go to your university and ask for advisement in the special education program.

Answer 3

ADHD and ADD do NOT necessarily fall under the umbrella of special education. Unless the student has a specific learning disability, ADD & ADHD are handled through a 504 plan, more of a medical condition like a kid with diabetes who needs acomodations for injections for instance. Don't know of any focus on that but I am sure you could concentrate on it in for a project. I do not have a BA in special education, but I am in my final semester of a mild to moderate credential in CA.

Answer 4

I have never heard of specialized area in ADD and ADHD. Or a class just for these learning disablities. Most ADD or ADHD are in a regular ed class unless they come with other disablilities then they are in special education classes.

Answer 5

Even if you were to go into regular ed. you would get your share of ADD/ADHD!
I teach D/HH and 90% of my students are ADD and ADHD and or LD-

Many SPED classes try and mainstream but even the self-contained classes have "cross-categorical" students so if you are planning on ONLY teaching ADD/ADHD that rarely happens. You'll have the experience of all types of disabilities.