ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is the general term which is divided into 3 subtypes1) ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive Type2) ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Type3) ADHD-Combined Type
Identification
A medical examination
A clinical interview
Teacher and parent ratings
Behavioral observations
Prevalence
3 to 7% of the school-age population have ADHD
Occurs more frequently in boys than girls
Is ADHD a U.S. phenomenon?
Causes• Neurological abnormalities• Pre-frontal lobes, frontal lobes
and the basal ganglia• Pregnancy complications• Hereditary factors• Family Studies• Twin Studies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vHpK10WtnM
Strategies Post DiagnosisMedication
◦Stimulants◦Nonstimulants
Behavioral Intervention Strategies◦Create a routine◦Avoid distractions◦Limit choices◦Change interactions with your child◦Use goals and rewards◦Discipline effectively◦Focus on a specific talent or hobby
MedicationPros
◦Reduction of behavioral symptoms◦No physical addiction◦In taking the prescribed dosage,
medication is safeCons
◦Long-term effects are unknown ◦Psychological dependency ◦Mild side effects
Classroom Setup• The classroom is well structured.• Classroom rules should be clearly
defined and posted throughout the room
• Rows provide the best form of seating as group seating can increase the amount of distractions
• Students should be seated close to the teacher and away from other “problem” children and distractions
Classroom StructurePlace a copy of the daily and
weekly schedule on the student’s desk or folder
ORGANIZATIONMake sure that directions are
always clear and concisePartner or group workPeer tutoringKnow your student
How to make students feel important in the classroomPRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISEGive students with ADHD ample
opportunities to be classroom helper
Give the student feedback on his work and behavior throughout the day
Make sure you are giving the student enough personal attention during lessons and activities
Accommodations Give student extra time and
directions to complete assignments Allow the student to wear sound-
blocking headphones during workAllow breaks during lengthy lessonsProvide alternative areas for
reading/homework time such as a three walled cubicle
Find time to release energy during lengthy lesson
Parent interactionOpen communicationGive parents the weekly
assignments and lessons. Traveling notebook
Resourceshttp://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/
treatment.htmlhttp://www.adhdquestionsandans
wers.com/ADHD_Facts_and_Myths.html
Exceptional Leanershttp://www.azpirc.com/Download
s/Educators/StrategiesForWorkingWith%20ADHDStudents.pdf