ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person's age and development. (Medline Plus 2015)
"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood." (National Institute of Mental Health)
ADHD has three subtypes:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- Predominantly inattentive
- Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
Causes
There is no absolute cause for ADHD, but research is pointing toward genes taking a big factor. Researchers as also looking at environmental factors, and how nutrition, social environment, and brain injuries play a role in ADHD.
Children with ADHD carry a particular version of a certain gene have a thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention (National Institute of Mental Health). Research also shows that there is a possible link between drinking and smoking use during pregnancy.
There is no absolute cause for ADHD, but research is pointing toward genes taking a big factor. Researchers as also looking at environmental factors, and how nutrition, social environment, and brain injuries play a role in ADHD.
Children with ADHD carry a particular version of a certain gene have a thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention (National Institute of Mental Health). Research also shows that there is a possible link between drinking and smoking use during pregnancy.
Characteristics
The key behaviors of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Inattention:
The key behaviors of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Inattention:
- Easily distracted
- Forget things
- Frequently switching from one activity to another
- Difficulty focusing on one thing
- Becoming bored with a task only after a few minutes
- Difficulty focusing attention on organizing/completing a task
- Trouble completing or turning in homework
- Difficulty learning something new
- Daydream and easily confused
- Struggle to follow instructions
- Fidget and squirm in their seat
- Talk nonstop
- Dash around
- Touch or play with anything and everything
- Constantly in motion
- Difficulty doing quiet tasks
- Very impatient
- Blurt out inappropriate comments
- Difficulty waiting for things
- Often interrupt conversations
Prevalence
- ADHD is the most common childhood disorder
- Continues through adolescence and into adulthood
- 4.1% American Adults age 18 + are affected by ADHD
- Boys are four times more at risk than girls
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Adaptations
Accommodations
Modifications
Accommodations
- Seat the student near the teacher and away from distractions
- Discuss the behavior in private rather than calling him/her out in front of the class
- Seat the student next to a well-behaved role model
- Increase the distance between desks
- Break longer assignments into smaller segments, each with a deadline
- Set a timer for 10 minute intervals and have the student get up and show the teacher his/her work
Modifications
- Grade written work on development of idea vs spelling, handwriting, etc.
- Once the student has mastered a skill, reduce the number of practice items
- Seat the students in rows
- Reduce the number of assignments that require a timed setting
Resources for Parents
http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/add-and-adhd/34474.html
http://www.help4adhd.org/living/parenting/WWK2
http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-parenting-skills.
htmlhttp://addvance.com/help/parents/index.html
http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/add-and-adhd/34474.html
http://www.help4adhd.org/living/parenting/WWK2
http://www.additudemag.com/resource-center/adhd-parenting-skills.
htmlhttp://addvance.com/help/parents/index.html
Children's books
- Cory Stories: a Kid's Book about Living with ADHD by Jeanne Kraus
- Sometimes I Drive My Mom Crazy, But I Know She's Crazy about Me: A Self-esteem Book for ADHD Children by Lawrence E. Shapiro
- I Can't Sit Still: Living With ADHD by Pam Pollack, Meg Belviso
- My Friend Has ADHD by Amanda Doering Tourville
Rosemary Ash