Ana Martinez, Litzajalla Cardenas, Cynthia Rodriguez ADHD

Brief History of ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is one of the most common childhood behavior disorders and while the term itself is fairly recent (within the last century), the condition has been known by a variety of names in previous times. In 1902, the "father of British pediatrics" Sir George Frederick Still first put a name on a behavior disorder that had elements of ADHD, called "Defect of Moral Control". In his beliefs, this disorder was beyond the person's control whereas in the past it had been thought to be the result of such things as lack of discipline.

Ritalin, which had been introduced in the 1950's as a stimulant was tested and prescribed to children with this disorder soon after this addition to the manual. Doctors believed that the medication helped children focus in school and control their impulses. It was also believed that it was something children outgrew as they got older. The phrase "Attention Deficit Disorder" was coined in the 1970's and later many cases also included the diagnosis of hyperactivity. Attention Deficit Disorder is a disorder that, while heavily researched and studied, has very little answers, and no definitive cause or cure.

Characteristic types of behavior Inattention They may give effortless, automatic attention to activities and things they enjoy. But focusing deliberate, conscious attention to organizing and completing a task or learning something new is difficult. Hyperactivity They may dash around or talk incessantly. Hyperactive children can squirm in their seat or roam around the room. Or they might wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil. Impulsivity they may blurt out inappropriate comments or they may run into the street without looking.

State-based Prevalence Data of ADHD Diagnosis ( ) 1 IN 20 CHILDREN IN THE USA INCREASED AN AVERAGE OF 3% PER YEAR FROM 1997 TO 2006 AND AN AVERAGE OF 5.5% PER YEAR FROM 2003 TO 2007.

1.Doesn’t pay attention to details 2.Makes careless mistakes 3.Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted 4.Appears not to listen when spoken to 5.Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions 6.Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects 7.Gets bored with a task before it’s completed 8.Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

Constantly fidgets and squirms Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected Moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately Talks excessively Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor May have a quick temper or a “short fuse”

Three Components of Successful Programs for Children with ADHD Behavioral Intervention Classroom Accommodations Academic Instruction

Introducing the lesson Conducting the lesson Concluding the lesson Individualizing Instructional Practices (IFSP, IEP) Assist child with organizational skills

Behavioral Intervention Verbal Reinforcment Selectively ignore inappropriate behavior. Remove nuisance items Provide calming manipulatives. Allow for “escape valve” outlets. Activity reinforcement. Hurdle helping. Parent conferences. Peer mediation. Visual cues. Proximity control. Hand gestures. Social skills classes. Problem solving sessions. Behavioral contracts and management plans.

Classroom Accommodations Providing a structured learning environment – Use of routines – Seating charts adjusting class schedules – As best fits the needs of the children – Always making the children aware of any changes Giving them plenty of notice helps keep them on track supplementing verbal instructions with visual instructions

Modifications

CHADD improves the lives of people affected by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder California State University Los Angeles University of La Verne

Reference Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, April 24). Retrieved from Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Melinda Smith, M., & Segal, R. (2012, April 23). SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER IN KIDS. Retrieved from Helpguide.org: A brief History of ADHD. Kentucky, Slone. Kentuckyslone.hubpages.com. Round-the-clock-Resources for ADHD. Sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceutica http// Teaching Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Instructional Strategies and Practices 2004 U.S. Department of Education and teachers. www2.ed.gov/teachers/needs/speced/adhd/adhd-resource-pt2.doc