Strategies for Working With the Disorganized, Inattentive, Overactive Student

Goals For This Presentation 1.Provide a basic understanding of what ADHD is, and what it is not. 2.Attempt to answer any questions and dispel any myths that many people have regarding ADHD. 3.Introduce some guiding principles for dealing with ADHD behaviors.

ADHD Exposed 1.ADHD is identifiable via behavioral, not physical characteristics, making it more likely to be misunderstood. 2.Misperceptions:  Behaviors that directly result from ADHD are not primarily attributable to poor parenting, lack of discipline, low motivation, or intentional “trouble making.”  Not everything that fidgets and/or behaves defiantly is ADHD.

What Is ADHD? Neurobehavioral disorder marked by:  Inattention  Difficulties controlling impulses  Excessive motor activity (hyperactivity) Be aware…the mere presence of these behaviors does not mean the child has ADHD.

Identification of ADHD in Classrooms One of the most common childhood mental health diagnoses It has three key behavioural characteristics: 1.Hyperactivity- fidgeting, squirming in seat, unable to sit still 2.Impulsivity - blurting out answers; difficulty waiting turns 3.Inattention - day dreaming, staring out the window, not finishing tasks, forgetting and losing things, not listening These symptoms are noticeable in classrooms

Teachers’ roles 1. Reporting the symptoms (e.g., to medical practitioners, welfare teacher, school counsellors) 2. Advising teachers to seek assessment 3. Monitoring the effects of medication 4. Implementing behavioural interventions 5. Helping children who display the characteristic behaviours of ADHD to achieve academically and socially

Tips for Managing ADHD Behaviors 1.Pay positive attention to your child…catch them being good 2.Give effective commands-Short, sweet, and straightforward. 3.Limit the number of tasks to 1-2 per command. 4.Maintain clear and consistent expectations. 5.Communicate realistic consequences for inability to meet expectations 6.Be patient

Tips for Managing ADHD Behaviors 7. Be persistent. 8. Be understanding. 9. Most importantly, remember to differentiate the behaviors from the child. 10. Bad behaviors are not synonymous with a bad child.