Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).
ADHD has three subtypes:
ADHD has three subtypes:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
- Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree.
- Predominantly inattentive
- The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree.
- Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD.
- Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
- Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
- Most children have the combined type of ADHD.
Characteristics (Signs & Symptoms)
Difficulties with attention:
- trouble paying attention
- inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
- easily distracted
- losing things such as school supplies
- forgetting to turn in homework
- trouble finishing class work and homework
- trouble listening
- trouble following multiple adult commands
- difficulty playing quietly
- fidgeting
- inability to stay seated
- running or climbing excessively
- always "on the go"
- talks too much and interrupts or intrudes on others
- blurts out answers
- impatience
Teaching Methods
- Be understanding and provide a safe, predictable classroom environment.
- Decided on a sign or code to remind the student to stay on task.
- Make class rules clear & concise. Explain consequences for misbehavior in understandable terms.
- Use a postive reward system to reinforce appropriate behavior. ex: tokens, stars, stickers.
- Seat the child in close proximity to you and in an area that has the least amount of distractions and stimulus.
Resources
There are many books, articles, and websites dedicated to helping children, parents, and teachers when their lives are affected by ADHD. Below is a list of helpful resources: