ADHD By: Kourtni, Chelsea, and Aaron

What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination

What is ADHD? ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.

Symptoms of ADHD Lack of attention (inattentiveness) ◦ Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play ◦ Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties Hyperactivity ◦ Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat ◦ Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected Impulsive behavior (impulsivity) ◦ Blurts out answers before questions have been completed ◦ Has difficulty awaiting turn

Working With ADHD Students: 7 Steps for Teachers Step 1: Evaluate the needs of the child. Along with parents and a child study team, an evaluation can be given to see what the strengths of the ADHD child are and what areas he needs to improve. An educational plan can be put in place to introduce and conduct classroom lessons. Step 2: Make a display that shows the rules of the classroom. Since children with ADHD have difficulty following complex directions, break down the rules into simpler statements. Instructions for complex classroom assignments should also be given in smaller parts.

Working With ADHD Students: 7 Steps for Teachers Step 3: Give the child an assignment book. Teach them how to track all of their assignments and homework in the book. Step 4: Set the parameters for the introduction of new lessons. A teacher needs to let the ADHD child know the expectations for the lessons, including what the child should learn and the behavior required during the lesson. Let the child know what materials are needed to complete the tasks associated with the lesson.

Working With ADHD Students: 7 Steps for Teachers Step 5: Conduct lessons in a predictable manner. ADHD children thrive with consistency. During the lesson, reinforce rules and provide a learning environment with minimal distractions. Divide work into small sections and highlight key points. Step 6: Take frequent breaks. When the child needs to work on an assignment, designate a quiet area in the classroom away from any distractions.

Working With ADHD Students: 7 Steps for Teachers Step 7: Offer positive reinforcement. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the child's behavior, praise her for accomplishments made.

ADHD Research Max Muenke, M.D. Principal Investigator, ADHD Genetic Research Study ◦ States that ADHD “runs in the family” and is genetically related  Comes from close related blood relatives ◦ Other factors contribute to children who have ADHD  Abnormal Brain Development  Brain Injury ◦ Goals  Facilitate the diagnosis of ADHD  The development of improved treatments  More individualized treatments

ADHD Research (Cont.)

What kind of trials are being conducted? ◦ Informed consent ◦ Cognitive testing ◦ Blood draw ◦ Brief ECG ◦ Behavior rating scales ◦ Administration of study medication or Placebo ◦ A process to assess brain activity called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

ADHD Research (Cont.) Benefits of these clinical trials ◦ Development of future research in children with ADHD ◦ Parent’s may also learn more about their child’s behavior and ADHD symptoms ◦ Medication give throughout trials may help the children with their ADHD symptoms