Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder otherwise known as ADHD, one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may; have difficulty paying attention, demonstrate impulsive behavior (acting without thinking what the results will be), or they maybe overactive compared to their peers. There are three types of ADHD;

  1. Hyperactive

  2. Inattentive

  3. Combined type


Warning Signs and What to Look for

It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and misbehaving sometimes. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors it is persistent. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.

Students with ADHD may have difficulty with:

  • Focusing

  • Forget or lose things

  • Self-regulating-.

  • Fidget constantly

  • Daydream a lot

  • Poor Executive Functioning skills-affects planning, organizing time and materials, making decisions, shifting from one situation to another

  • Talk too much

  • Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks

  • Have a difficult time resisting temptation

  • Have trouble with turn taking

  • Have difficulty getting along with others

  • Challenged with completing tasks

How to Help


  • Break down directions into small steps.

  • Have the child repeat back the directions/steps

  • Visual reminders/Daily Schedule

  • Take a picture of the completed task-helps the child understand/remind him/her of what he/she needs to do.

  • Aerobic Exercise/Movement-of large muscles

  • Sipping through a straw or large gum-During activities that require concentration

  • Lots of breaks throughout the day

  • Competition-Have the student complete tasks with a Timer so that he can compete against his own time.

  • Hands on Learning, Projects, and manipulatives

  • Colored Folders-one labeled To Do, the other labeled Done

  • Graphic organizers

  • Shorten assignments

  • Calm music during times to concentrate-sounds of waves, bells, nature

  • Talk to your child of how to calm themselves or talk to themselves when making decisions. Take 10 deep breathes before acting on something, then asking yourself what will happen if I do what you were about to do? Do I really want to do that?


Resources