Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Definition:
Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) is described as having a short attention span and becoming easily distracted. Attention is a process that has different parts: We focus, we select, and we sustain. With this, we can also resist or shift. Children with ADD can have troubles with one or all these parts of attention. Some students may have a hard time concentrating on certain tasks, other children may have trouble with starting a task or others may simply get lost along the way when directions are being told.
(http://www.add-adhd.org/ADHD_attention-deficit.html)
Causes:
Characteristics:
Accommodations:
Modifications:
Resources for Parents:
Resources for Kids (Children's Books):
What does it feel like to have ADD? :
Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) is described as having a short attention span and becoming easily distracted. Attention is a process that has different parts: We focus, we select, and we sustain. With this, we can also resist or shift. Children with ADD can have troubles with one or all these parts of attention. Some students may have a hard time concentrating on certain tasks, other children may have trouble with starting a task or others may simply get lost along the way when directions are being told.
(http://www.add-adhd.org/ADHD_attention-deficit.html)
Causes:
- Exact causes of ADD are unknown but it has a strong genetic component
- The genes that control the levels or functioning of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) seem to be different in those that have ADD
- Smoking or drinking during pregnancy
- Other obstetrical complications
- Babies with low birth weight could have increased risk of developing ADD (same with children who have had head injuries)
- ADD tends to run in families
Characteristics:
- Doesn't pay attention to details
- Makes careless mistakes
- Has trouble staying focused (easily distracted)
- Appears not to listen when spoken to
- Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
- Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
- Bored with a task before its completed
- Frequently loses homework, toys, books, or other things
Accommodations:
- Seat the student away from windows and door
- Put the student in front of teacher's desk unless it is a distraction for the student
- Give instructions one at a time and repeat if needed
- Use visuals: charts, graphs, pictures, color coding
- Create a quiet area free of distractions for completing tests and homework
- Let student do majority of work on a computer
- Accept late work and give partial credit for partial work
- Have student keep master notebook, 3-ring binder to separate each subject
- Color-code materials for each subject
Modifications:
- Test student the best way he or she tests - like filling in the blanks or orally
- Revise some of the questions in a way that the student will best understand
- Take some questions out if needed
- If a section has 10 problems, cut it down to 5-6 problems - Granting extra time for tests and even homework assignments
Resources for Parents:
- http://www.help4adhd.org/living/parenting/WWK2
- http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-parenting-skills.html
- http://www.adhdandyou.com/
- http://www.smartkidswithld.org/
- http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/ADHD_Resource_Center/Home.aspx
Resources for Kids (Children's Books):
- Taking A.D.D. to School: A School Story About Attention Deficit Disorder And/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
By - Ellen Weiner - Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Book for Kids about ADHD
By - Kathleen G. Nadeau - Better than Weird
By - Anna Kerz - Fidgety Sean
By - Colleen DeSantis - Trout and Me
By - Susan Shreve
What does it feel like to have ADD? :
What does ADD look like? :
ADD simulation:
*Samantha Passer