"We all can dance when we find music that we love."
Giraffes Can't Dance, Author: Giles Andreae
According to the American Psychiatry Association,
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought). ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (Harpin, 2005). ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately treated (Harpin et al., 2016).
Symptoms and/or behaviors that have persisted greater than or equal to 6 months in greater than or equal to 2 settings (e.g., school, home, church). Symptoms have negatively impacted academic, social, and/or occupational functioning. In patients aged less than 17 years, have greater than or equal to 6 symptoms are necessary; in those aged greater than or equal to 17 years, have greater than or equal to 5 symptoms are necessary.
Source: DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition; ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Strategies to Support Executive Function Skills for students with ADHD, provides teachers with access to a wealth of potential strategies and resources for addressing each of the 10 Executive Function Skills students with ADHD may need help strengthening. While it is not an exhaustive list, it is a great resource to utilize when discussing and implementing classroom strategies with a student's educational team.
For questions or additional information about supporting students with ADHD, please contact: