Your ADHD child in the classroom

Did not hear the instructions. Couldn’t find his notebook. Bothered the classmates near him. Got up several times. Broke the tip of his pencil.

How does he feel when the time is up and he only managed to put his

name on the paper?

The problem:

ADHD affects a child’s ability to achieve academically and form positive social relationships. These inabilities tend to increase the chances that they develop low self esteem and give up on academic success.

The goal:

The goal of this research is to find methods that will alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in the classroom so these children perform academically and interact with their peers in a positive way.

Who is affected by ADHD?

ADHD affects everyone that has a relationship with that child:

Parents Siblings Teachers Classmates

Peer Relationships

Parents of children with a history of ADHD report almost 3 times as many peer problems as those without a history of ADHD.

Parents report that children with a history of ADHD are almost 10 times as likely to have difficulties that interfere with friendships.

(CDC, 2010)

ADHD is society’s problem

“Given the substantial burden associated with ADHD and LD for children, their families, and society, there remains a continuing need to monitor the national prevalence of these conditions” (Pastor & Reuben, 2008, p.7).

Classroom Environment

If a child with ADHD can affect everyone around him, it is to the teacher’s benefit as well as the child’s for the teacher do whatever it takes to help that student succeed.

Learn what ADHD is. Learn what can be done to help.

ADHD

Approximately 9.5% of school age children have ADHD

Only 66.3% of those children take medication

(Center for disease prevention, 2010).

Difference in diagnoses between boys and girls

ADHD

BoysGirls

(Pastor & Reuben, 2008)

ADHD by Race 2004-2006

Hispanic White (not H)

Black (not H)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

ADHD

(Pastor & Reuben, 2008)

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental, biological condition characterized by:

Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity

(www.addhealthandwellness.com)

What ADHD is not

Laziness Lack of Intelligence Bad attitude The parents fault Irresponsibility

Typical methods don’t work

“To tell a person with ADHD to try harder is about as helpful as telling someone who is nearsighted to squint harder” (Hallowell & Ratey, 2005, p.51)

Classroom Set up

Minimize the student’s distractions

Use desk dividers Keep away from high traffic area Sit close to teacher Use rows instead of tables Play white noise or soft music

For more suggestions go to: http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/roomsetup.htm

Lesson Presentation

Provide outline prior to lesson Include variety of activities Use multisensory presentations Make lessons brief Involve the student in the lesson

http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/lessons.htm

Teach Organization

Allow 5 minutes to organize desks Most organized desk award System for complete/incomplete work Use color coding in classroom Establish method for homework

http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/organization.htm

Increase on task behavior

Provide an individual timer Give work in small doses Allow breaks Check on student often Reward wanted behavior

http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/timeontask.htm

Social Skills

Review his plan for recess activity Role play target social skills Keep close during unstructured activities Teach "Stop and Think" before talking

http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/socialskills.htm

Help them cope

Have a consistent routine Provide a place to unwind and reduce

stress Provide immediate feedback Let the little things go Treat them with respect

A teacher can make or break a child’s year.

“In the successful years, he felt that his teacher really understood him and was rooting for him. In the disaster years, he didn’t click with the teacher, and just completely shut down” (Kutscher 2005).

Bibliography

Cowan, D. (2007), The ADHD information library. Retrieved from http://newideas.net/

Hallowell, E. & Ratey,J. (2005). Delivered from distraction. New York: Ballantine Books

Hallowell, E. & Ratey, J (1994). Driven to Distraction. New York: Simon & Shuster

Kutcher, M. (2005). Kids in the syndrome mix of ADHD, LD, Aspergers, Tourettes, Bipolar, & more. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Bibliography

Pastor P. & Reuben C. (2008) Diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disability: United States, 2004–2006. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(237). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/Sr10_237.pdf

Bibliography

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (2010), Increasing Prevalence of Parent-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children --- United States, 2003 and 2007. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5944a3.htm?s_cid=mm5944a3_w