Playtime in Tech Class

Teaching Children with ADHDBy Brandi Parkinson

1What is ADHDLifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain and results in a variety of inappropriate and maladaptive behaviors.Not a diseaseIts a processing deficit that results in children having difficulty with inhibitory controlUnderdeveloped parts of the brainControl brainStop inappropriate behaviorNot their faultMain Symptoms and SubtypesSymptomsSubtypesHyperactivityImpulsivityInattentionMust be present before age 7Affect social or academic functioningInattentiveHyperactive/ImpulsiveCombined Inattentive Hyperactive/ImpulsiveDiagnosedCriteria must be met according to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual.Must display several behavioral symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention in more than one setting and over a six-month period.Difficulties They Face ReadingProcessingAttending to relevant informationNewspapers, texts, case studies, and slide presentationsOften labeledHomework assignmentsFailing at tasksStrategiesCognitiveHigh-interest and student selected materialsPreview difficult words/phrasesBreak texts into small components, highlight relevant information, allow time

Strategies Cont.AffectiveEncourage positive self-talk and affirmationsUse humorAvoid sarcasmTake a personal interest, acknowledge accomplishments, greet them warmly

Strategies Cont.Social/BehavioralProvide hands on activitiesReward overactive students with small motor breaksEncourage questionsFacilitate student ownership of behavior

How We Can Help ParentsExplainYou recognize ADHD is a disorderThis emphasizes that you recognize the child is a person first and then, a person with a disorder.Support and InformationHelp them understand ADHDProvide resourcesCreate community connectionNational Attention Deficit Disorder AssociationHow We Can Help Parents Cont.Develop StrategiesGuide in displaying rulesManaging behaviorImplement rewards and consequences

Maintain CommunicationWeekly homework logsAssignment sheetsBehavior chartsListen to concerns and commentsMake suggestions and give positive statementsConclusionBy applying the strategies suggested, we as teachers will be better able to meet the needs of students with ADHD and prepare them for academic and social success as citizens of the twenty-first century.

ResourcesTaylor, H.E., & Larson, S. (1998). Teaching children with ADHDwhat do elementary and.. Social Studies, 89(4), 161. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.http://www.add.org/site/PageServer for the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.