The core organizing symtptom for this condition is inattention.As I consider my own difficulties in childhood and adulthood inattention does sum things up nicely. Whether it goes by the name of distractability, procrastination, forgetfulness, failing to finish what was started, or avoiding required activities it is inattention to what needs to be done that get ADDers in trouble.
Sure everyone has occassional problem with attention. For ADDers the inattention radiates in many directions in life. Yes, they may be able to talk on the phone for hours, play a computer game for the entire weekend, or cultivate some unique interest but given a task that does not motivate them they are fused to inacitivty.
So when given something that is highly motivated ADDers can override their inattention problems. Grades do not generally moitvate the courage and effort required to succeed academically. Nor, does parental praise (or discouragement) instill the motivation to do what needs to be done.
ADDers need to learn to overcome theiro neurobiological difficulties from the inside out.
It must be remembered that ADD has its origins in brain functioning. Inattention affects that part of the brain that has recently evolved and is therefore prove to variations and dysfunction. This area of the brain is the place where our attention, personality, emotional control, creativity, and social sensitivities come together.
People do not either "have or not have" ADD. As with other areas of human behavior, psychological and biological function on a continuum. No one is completely happy or unhappy, intelligent or unintelligent, strong or weak or...you get the idea. Some of us have extraordinary attentions and some of us have extraordianry inattention and still others are somewhere inbetween.