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;
Hyperactive
Inattentive
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
Alexander Valley Regional Medical Center
4 Tarman Drive Cloverdale, California, 95425 (707-894-4229)Speak to your pediatrician
Sometimes medication with training may be offered
Kaiser Permanente offer classes for parents of students with ADHD
Speak to your school counselor or the school psychologist
Request a student success team meeting at your school
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
ADDA—Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Provides information and training resources for adults with ADHD, and promotes ADHD awareness. The organization also spearheads advocacy efforts (for example, advocating for ADHD treatment in correctional facilities). They also have virtual support groups. You can connect with other people living with ADHD, even if you live in a remote location.https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-teach-kids-impulse-control/
https://www.teachthought.com/learning/8-strategies-to-improve-executive-functions-of the brain/