Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is a common condition characterised by difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behaviour (impulsiveness), and hyperactivity (over-activity). It is a lifelong condition, but adults can learn to regulate the characteristics. Children may fall into one of three sub-types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive type
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
- Combined inattention and hyperactive impulsive type
People tend to focus on the hyperactivity aspects of ADHD. However, there are many aspects of learning that can be affected by the condition, as shown in the image below.
It is not unusual for a child to have an ADHD diagnosis alongside another learning need.
About half will also have a language difficulty and specific learning difficulties that impact on reading, writing, processing spoken language, expressing themselves orally, and elements of dyscalculia
Nearly a third of autistic children meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD
Around half will have symptoms of sensory processing difficulties
Up to a third of children with obsessive compulsive disorder will also have ADHD
25-40% may also have an anxiety disorder
Much more likely to experience depression; the risk increases in adulthood
25% of boys and 10% of girls may develop oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
What is it like to have ADHD?
Watch the video to hear the experiences of someone with the inattentive type.
Classroom Strategies
Students with the combined or hyperactive type of ADHD tend to far more noticeable in the classroom. Strategies that address unacceptable behavior in a way that maintains a trusting relationship are key - this can lead to the student engaging with further strategies that help them navigate learning. Pivotal Education's "Five Pillars of Pivotal Practice" could be a good place to start. Students who lack impulse control will also benefit from being given opportunities to release excess energy, such as fiddling with blu-tac or a stress ball, being allowed a short movement break, use of a standing desk, or being given errands such as cleaning the board and handing out sheets. Examples of hyperactive/impulsive behaviours include:
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
Has difficulty awaiting turn.
Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Students with the inattentive type can often 'fly under the radar' as they are less likely to draw attention to themselves. If you have watched the video above you will be aware of some clues that a child has inattentive ADHD. Some of these might indicate 'apathy' and 'laziness' at first glance. Examples include:
Making careless mistakes
Difficulty sustaining focus
Difficulty following detailed instructions
Difficulty organising tasks and activities
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Often lose things
May leave projects unfinished
Appearing not to listen when you speak
Read through these suggested approaches and try them out in your classroom. Remember that many of these will benefit students without ADHD or with different learning needs.
A series of "If your child does X, then try Y" classroom approaches
A good printable list of easy to use suggestions (PDF)
In this video a school psychologist talks through these classroom strategies. Skip to 6 min 47 sec.