ADD/ADHD Combined Type
Definition
Students with combination ADD/ADHD show signs of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in combination with attention deficits. In order to be diagnosed with combination type ADD/ADHD, a person must show signs of both inattention type and hyperactivity-impulsivity type ADHD. Signs and characteristics of both types of ADD/ADHD are listed below. Combination ADHD is the most prevalent type of ADHD.
(Holland, 2013).
Causes
The exact causes of ADD/ADHD are unknown, however, there is evidence that suggests a connection to genetic components.
Characteristics
In AAorder to be diagnosed with combined type ADD/ADHD, the child must have characteristics from each of the inattention type, and the hyperactivity-impulsivity type categories of ADHD.
Inattention Type
Adaptations
Accommodations
Modifications
Resources
For Parents
Student with Combination ADD/ADHD Video
Students with combination ADD/ADHD show signs of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in combination with attention deficits. In order to be diagnosed with combination type ADD/ADHD, a person must show signs of both inattention type and hyperactivity-impulsivity type ADHD. Signs and characteristics of both types of ADD/ADHD are listed below. Combination ADHD is the most prevalent type of ADHD.
(Holland, 2013).
Causes
The exact causes of ADD/ADHD are unknown, however, there is evidence that suggests a connection to genetic components.
- Children with ADD/ADHD have been found to have different genes that control the level or functioning neurotransmitters in the brain. There also tends to be irregular functioning of the nerve passageways that regulate behavior.
- Children with ADD/ADHD may have parts of their brains that are smaller, or less active than a brain without the disorder.
- In some cases, there has been no genetic differences found, but rather the link is to prenatal maternal behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and improper care while pregnant.
- ADD/ADHD tends to run in families. If one or both parents have ADD or ADHD, the child is more likely to have the disorder. One-third of all parents who had ADHD/ADD as a child will have their own child with one of the disorders.
- The brain chemical Dopamine may also play a role in the development of ADD/ADHD. Dopamine controls many functions such as sleep, movement, attention, mood, attention, and learning.
- Certain environmental toxins such as lead, PCBs (a type of plastic, man-made material), or various pesticides may have a role in the causation of ADD/ADHD
- ADD/ADHD is NOT caused by parenting style.
Characteristics
In AAorder to be diagnosed with combined type ADD/ADHD, the child must have characteristics from each of the inattention type, and the hyperactivity-impulsivity type categories of ADHD.
Inattention Type
- Losing or forgetting things or events
- Difficulty following through or finishing tasks, assignments, chores, and other duties
- Easily distracted
- Frequent daydreaming or inability to pay attention
- Easily confused
- Seeming to not listen when spoken to
- Difficulty following directions
- Make careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Losing things needed to complete tasks
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Fidget with hands, feet, arms, legs, or whole body
- Squirming when seated
- Frequently leave seat
- Feelings of restlessness
- Difficulty completing activities quietly
- Constantly "on the go"
- Excessive amounts of talking
- Blurting out answers before the question is finished
- Interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting for their turn
Adaptations
Accommodations
- Provide written instructions along with oral instructions
- Use private cue signals to redirect off-task behavior
- Highlight the most important material in a texts
- Break assignments into smaller parts
- Teach students to pace themselves by using a timer
- Use peer tutoring or group work
- Allow student to work in the most productive position for them (standing, bouncing, laying down, etc.)
- Reinforce positive behaviors
- Teach self-monitoring in social situations
- Use checklists for social situations
- Frequently use graphic organizers that allow students to see their thoughts organized on paper
- Teach students to use a daily planner to keep track of assignments and tasks
- Allow for frequent movement breaks
Modifications
- Reduce the number of practice items the student must do. For example, have the student check with the teacher after every few problems. The student may stop problems when mastery has been demonstrated.
- Grading written work based on development of ideas, not spelling, handwriting, etc.
- Provide modified editions of text being read, presenting the same content in a simplified way with reduced distractions
- Use alternative testing formats that cater to the students strengths (oral reports, speech-to-text software, video tape, etc)
- Reduce number of assignments that require copying or writing in a timed setting
Resources
For Parents
- Virtual Chapter of CHADD http://www.chadd.org/Support/Virtual-Chapter.aspx CHADD provides an online support network for parents of children with ADD/ADHD
- Brightmont Academy, Apply Valley and Plymouth MN. A school specializing in the instruction and success of students with ADD/ADHD, providing one-on-one individualized instruction. http://www.brightmontacademy.com/
- EpicWin app. This app provides daily To-Do lists, but presents them in the form on an exciting game. After each chore or task is "destroyed" , the player is given points, mini-games, and the opportunity to "level-up" after a set number of tasks are completed.
- Gork! A documentary that follows one families challenges and successes with having a child with ADHD
- Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach by Vincent Monastra
- 50 Activities and Games for Kids with ADHD by Patricia Quinn and Judith Stern
- Joey Pigza Looses Control; Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key; The Key That Swallowed Joey; Pigza by Jack Gantos
- Hurricane Willis by Sally Grindley
- Some Kids Just Can't Sit Still... by Sam Goldstein
- A.D.D. Not B.A.D. by Audrey Penn
Student with Combination ADD/ADHD Video
How Does It Feel To Have Combination ADHD?
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