1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
In Children And Adolescents

2. I. Features Of ADHD The Bermuda Triangle
Inattention
Disorganization
Hyperactivity
ADHD with External Hyperactivity
ADHD without External Hyperactivity
DSM-IV criteria

3. II. Neurology of ADHD What is the forebrain? Executive Functions
What are neurotransmitters?
Norepinephrine and Dopamine
Inhibitory response and re-uptake
Effects of Glucose metabolism pathways

4. The ADHD Brain

5. III. Recent Research on What Works
Behavioral Interventions
Cognitive Interventions
Modifications and supports in the classroom
Myths and Misconceptions
Medications
Dr. Russell Barkley 2006
Effects
Side Effects

6. Further Resources Websites I & RS Committee Child Study Team
I & RS Committee
Child Study Team

7. V. Executive Skills
Executive Skills are the tools we use to regulate our behavior
Allow us to:
-plan
-organize
-sustain attention
-persist to complete a task
Manage our emotions
Memorize information
Self-regulate

8. Modifying and guiding our behavior
Executive Skills
Executive Skills play a large role in:
Problem Solving
Goal Setting
Modifying and guiding our behavior

9. Development of Executive Skills
-Our Executive Skills begin to develop in infancy and continue to develop well into adolescence
-The development of our executive skills can be affected by genes and our environment (social and biological) sometimes leading to deficits in executive functioning

10. Developmental Tasks Requiring Executive Functioning
Keeping track of belongings
Following Rules
Bringing home books and assignments
Completing homework and classwork
Planning out projects
Keeping track of our school schedule
Time Management
Organization
Study Skills
Attention Span

11. ADHD and Executive Skills
Many children with ADHD show deficits in their Executive skills such as:
-poor organization
-poor time management skills
-poor study skills
-decreased ability to sustain attention

12. HOMEWORK IS OFTEN A BATTLE!!!!!

13. Homework Survival Create a good work environment
Find a quiet workspace
Limit distractions ( TV, phone, radio)
Choose a location that is close to you
Make sure all supplies are in place before beginning
Some children may benefit from soft instrumental music in the background to help block out auditory distractions

14. Homework Survival Helping With Preparation and Structure
Monitor agenda (both parent and teacher)
Create Daily “Getting Ready to Go Home” checklist
Utilize teacher websites to confirm homework assignments
Create a homework list each night and check off each task as it is completed

15. Homework Survival Helping With Preparation and Structure Cont’d
-Divide assignments into smaller chunks
-Allow for short breaks in between tasks
-Plan what can be done once homework is finished
-Build in choices whenever possible

16. -Post the project assignment somewhere visible at home
Homework Survival
LONG TERM PROJECTS
-Post the project assignment somewhere visible at home
-Pull out the calendar and map out a plan for completion, starting backwards from the due date
-Breakdown the project into smaller task to avoid overwhelming your child

17. Homework Survival Helping During Homework Be Available for help
Monitor progress and check in often
Verbal prompts and reminders
Visual cues- checklists, timer, schedule
PRAISE and ENCOURAGEMENT
Positive Reinforcement never hurts!
(rewards and incentives for completion)

18. Using Rewards and Incentives
Homework Survival
Using Rewards and Incentives
-Focus on problem behavior and set goal
Come up possible rewards and contingencies
Create a reward menu and point system with both immediate and long term rewards
Use a homework contract signed by you and your child
Evaluate your system often and change when necessary

19. Resources
Dawson, Peg and Guare, Richard. Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents, New York, NY: Guilford Press, 2004.
Reif, Sandra. The ADHD Book Of Lists , San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2003.