Date post: | 31-Oct-2014 |
Category: |
Education |
Upload: | sandy-speer |
View: | 6 times |
Download: | 0 times |
“Oh look, a chicken!”
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder
Characteristics of ADHD
• Not truly “attention deficit”; actually “attention inconsistency”
• Easy distractibility (inattentiveness)• Low tolerance for frustration or
boredom• Tendency to say or do whatever
comes to mind (impulsivity)• Overflow of energy!
Historically speaking…
• Identified in early 20th century (1902) by George Frederic Still–Studied 20 children
• 3 boys for every girl• Defiant, excessively emotional, passionate,
lawless, spiteful• Behaviors appeared before age 8• Not the result of poor parenting
• Studied in WW I veterans who had received head injuries
• Originally called “minimal brain dysfunction”
• Causes are not clearly identified• May be physiological (caused by
differences in brain• “High incidence” - anywhere from 3%-7%
Challenges to the student
• Poor social skills–Don’t relate well to peers–Can’t take turns–Often solitary and lonely
• Frustrated teachers–ADHD students talk out of turn, blurt
out answers before question is finished–Teachers often dislike these students–Desperation tactics
• Angry, embarrassed parents–Conflicts over homework and chores
• Discipline problems–High risk of failure–Suspensions–Dropouts
Challenges later in life
• Substance abuse–Alcohol – trying to “slow the world
down”–Cocaine – actually “focuses” for those
with ADHD – approximately 15% of cocaine users report this
• Difficulty with employment–“Short fuse”
• Trouble with the law
The Plus Side
• High energy–For those with the “H” component,
often very active, energetic and full of enthusiasm
• Creative–Exceptional tendency to “think outside
the box”• Intuitive• Emotionally aware• Exuberant
In the classroom – a raw deal?
• Distractibility–Can be easily distracted, or can be hyperfocused
–Because of this, may not handle transitions well
• Impulsivity• Hyperactivity• Poor organizational skills
–Missing, late homework–Lack of needed materials
• Poor reading and/or math skills• Poor study skills• Poor handwriting
How can we help them get to “well done!”?
• Physical–Seating–Near teacher–Near peer assistant
• Directional–Signal when off-task–Cue transitions–Alert students a little while before an activity is going to change• Allows them to “get used” to the idea, and to come out of hyperfocus, if need be.
–Keep a consistent schedule
How can we help them get to “well done!”?
• Organizational–Help student to choose the organizer
that best fits his/her style• Paper – school planner• Electronic – PDA
–Provide a consistent place for materials• Extra set of books for home
–Peer assistant• Someone student can call when they
did not write down an assignment correctly or have a question.
–Give directions, assignments, and other important information both verbally and in writing
How can we help them get to “well done!”?• Instructional
–Provide external motivation• Avoid busywork• Students w/ADHD often have trouble doing
homework in the first place – will resent assignments which do not clearly relate to the lesson.
• Make sure the assignment is relevant to what is being taught
• Tell students why it will help them master the material.
• "Chunk" material to avoid overwhelming students
• Use multiple instructional techniques• Use graphic organizers to communicate most
important points of lessons• Allow additional time for tests and assignments• Avoid timed tests
Life with AD(H)D – No Joke
Excerpt from:
All About Attention Deficit Disorder
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment: Children and Adults
ByThomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.
Famous People with ADHD
Harry BelafonteOrlando BloomTerry BradshawRichard Branson – Virgin AirwaysStephen J. CannellPatrick DempseyWhoopi GoldbergWilliam Hewlett – Co-founder of Hewlett-
PackardJewelKeira KnightlyJay LenoDavid Neeleman -- JetBlueEdward James OlmosTy PenningtonCharles Schwab – also has dyslexiaJackie Stewart – Indy car driverHenry Winkler
References
Editorial Staff. (2008) Famous people with dyslexia and other learning disabilities and/or AD/HD. Retrieved June 17, 2008, from http://www.schwablearning.org.
Hallowell, E. M & Ratey, J. J. (1994). Driven to distraction: Recognizing and coping with attention deficit disorder from childhood through adulthood. New York, NY: Touchstone.
Phelan, T. W. (2000). All about attention deficit disorder (second edition). Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment: Children and adults. Glen Ellyn, IL: Child Management Inc.
Smith, D. D. (2007). Introduction to special education: Making a difference (sixth edition). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Solden, S. (1995). Women with attention deficit disorder: Embracing disorganization at home and in the workplace. Grass Valley, CA: Underwood Books.
A few more chicken thoughts…