1. ADD Alternatives in the Classroom: 25 Practical Strategies
Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. (
“Best Practices in Teaching Leadership”
Saint Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CA
April 21, 2007

2. Alternative Paradigms
Cultural
Cognitive
Educational
Developmental
Gender Related
Psycho-Affective
Holistic

3. Holistic Paradigm Psychological Cultural Developmental The Whole Child
Educational
Cognitive
Biological
Gender Related

4. ADD/ADHD Paradigm Psycho-Affective Cultural Educational Developmental
Biological
Gender Related
Cognitive

5. Biological Strategies
Balanced Breakfast
Feingold Diet
Allergy-Free Diet

6. Behavioral Strategies
Internally-Empowering Behavior Mod
Contracting
Positive Time Out
Feedback

7. Cognitive Strategies Self-Talk Skills Visualization Focusing
Biofeedback

8. Educational Interventions
Multiple Intelligences
Incidental Learning
Attention-Grabbing Instructions
Computer Software

9. Psycho-Affective Strategies
Expressive Arts
Positive Self Image
Positive Role Models
Positive Career Aspirations

10. Interpersonal Strategies
Positive Rapport
Social Skills
Peer or Cross-Age Tutoring

11. Ecological Strategies
Music
Color
Time
Space

12. Physical Strategies Appropriate Physical Movement Hands-On Learning
Physical Relaxation
Strong PE Programs

13. Resources
Armstrong, Thomas. The Myth of the ADD Child: 50 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion. New York: Plume, 1997.
Armstrong, Thomas. ADD/ADHD Alternatives in the Classroom. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1999.
Divoky, Diane and Peter Schrag. The Myth of the Hyperactive Child. New York: Pantheon, 1975.
Goodman, Gay, and Mary Jo Poillon. “ADD: Acronym for Any Dysfunction or Difficulty,” Journal of Special Education, Vol. 26, No. 1, 1992.
Griss, Susan. Minds in Motion: A Kinesthetic Approach to Teaching Elementary Curriculum. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1998.
McGuinness, Diane. When Children Don’t Learn. New York: Basic, 1985.
Merrow, John. “ Attention Deficit Disorder: A Dubious Diagnosis,” (Video). The Merrow Report, 588 Broadway, Suite 510, New York, NY 10012, ; (fax).
Patterson, Marilyn Nikimaa. Every Body Can Learn: Engaging the Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence in the Everyday Classroom. Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press, 1997.
Reid, Robert, John W. Maag, and Stanley F. Vasa, “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as a Disability Category: A Critique,” Exceptional Children, Vol. 60, No. 3, pp