The one major difference I've noticed as a teacher is that gifted kids who do not have ADHD appear to not be paying attention. However, they likely can tell you what you said, what it was about and answer the question, all while reading a book, fidgeting and humming. A true-ADHD child (gifted or not) will likely not be able to tell the teacher what she was talking about or answer the question.
While I believe you about the ADHD non-gifted kids not being able to tell you what was said, I know of one PG gifted kid who I sort of believe does have ADD, and 'very often' especially in the elementary grades, could playback the whole conversation. My son 'feels more himself' on ADHD medication, and every psychologist how has crossed our path believes he has ADD, and yet for many years he could do the full playback thing.
I wish it were that simple, but somehow it never is.
Smiles,
Grinity
