ADD/ADHD
Attention Deficit
Disorder
Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Characteristics Help in the classroom Additional Resources
What
is ADD/ADHD?
Attention Deficit Disorder is a syndrome which is usually characterized by serious and persistent
difficulties resulting in poor attention span, weak impulse control, and
sometimes hyperactivity (ADHD).
What
are the characteristics of students with ADD/ADHD?
Excessively fidgets or squirms
Difficulty remaining seated
Easily distracted
Difficulty
awaiting turn in games
Blurts out answers to questions
Difficulty following instructions
Difficulty sustaining attention
Shifts from one activity to another
Difficulty playing quietly Often talks excessively
Often interrupts
Often doesn’t
listen to what is said
Often loses things
Difficulty with organization
Careless mistakes on homework
Loses things
necessary for tasks
Forgetful in daily activities
Fails to give attention to detail
Avoids tasks that require
sustained Fails to finish
schoolwork or
mental effort
homework
How
can I help the student in the school setting?
Transitioning: It is difficult for children with ADD/ADHD to
adjust to changes. Use warnings to
prepare students of a change in routine, so they know what is expected and what
is going to be happening. (i.e. We
have to leave the playground in 5 minutes to get ready for science:
We will have math in 5 minutes).
Rules-rewards/consequences: Continually
discuss the consequences for behaviors, giving reminders when needed.
(i.e. If you
yell out answers you won’t be allowed to participate with the group,
but if you raise your hand and sit quietly you will most likely be called on).
Structure/consistency: Try
to keep routines structured and consistent.
ADD/ADHD students do much better in structured environments.
Redirection:
If the
student becomes distracted, redirect his/her attention to the task at hand.
Praise: Tell students the things
that the student is doing correctly and well. Praise students on working well on
a task or assignment and on using appropriate behaviors.
(i.e. You’re doing a nice job filling out the information and I really
like how you are raising your hand quietly to answer questions).
For
more information on ADD/ADHD click on the following websites.
http://add.about.com/health/add/library/weekly/aa010298.htm
References
Heward, W. L. (1996). Exceptional Children: An
Introduction to Special
Education (5th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
3/02, Website http:// www3.sympatico.ca/frankk/
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with the Shenendehowa Central School District Web Publishing Guidelines by
B. Lemieur,
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K. Tucker