ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is the general term which is divided into 3 subtypes 1) ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive Type 2) ADHD-Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type 3) 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

Strategies Post Diagnosis Medication ◦ 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

Medication Pros ◦ Reduction of behavioral symptoms ◦ No physical addiction ◦ In taking the prescribed dosage, medication is safe Cons ◦ 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 Structure Place a copy of the daily and weekly schedule on the student’s desk or folder ORGANIZATION Make sure that directions are always clear and concise Partner or group work Peer tutoring Know your student

How to make students feel important in the classroom PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE Give 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 work Allow breaks during lengthy lessons Provide alternative areas for reading/homework time such as a three walled cubicle Find time to release energy during lengthy lesson

Parent interaction Open communication Give parents the weekly assignments and lessons. Traveling notebook

Resources nt.html nt.html m/ADHD_Facts_and_Myths.html m/ADHD_Facts_and_Myths.html Exceptional Leaners ors/StrategiesForWorkingWith%20ADH DStudents.pdf ors/StrategiesForWorkingWith%20ADH DStudents.pdf