ADHD / ADD

1. ADHD / ADD CHARACTERISTICS AND STRATEGIES FOR INTERVENTION James River Special Education

2. What Is the Difference Between ADHD and ADD? • ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term used in (DSM-IV-TR) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . • ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is the older term from the DSM-III R.

3. Treatment and Causes • ADHD is a chronic biobehavioral disorder manifested in childhood, characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention. • Therapy may include medication, behavioral therapy, and adjustments in day-to-day lifestyle activities. • Heredity explains much of ADHD-like behavior. • About 8-10% of children have been diagnosed with ADHD.

4. What type of ADHD does this child have?

5. 1. Inattentive Type • Doesn’t attend to details; • Can’t stay focused; • Doesn’t follow through; • Can’t organize; • Gets distracted; • Loses things.

6. 2. Hyperactive-impulsive Type • Fidgets, squirms; • Runs around or climbs constantly; • Has trouble playing quietly; • Blurts out answers; • Has trouble waiting his/her turn; • Has trouble starting or changing tasks.

7. 3. Combined Type • Doesn't pay attention; • Doesn't seem to listen; • Is easily distracted; • Is disorganized; • Fidgets, runs or climbs; • Talks continually; • Avoids difficult tasks; • Doesn’t consider consequences.

8. What does this mean for the child in school? • Kids with ADHD may be delayed 30% of their actual age in ability to pay attention and remember. • They are not able to focus and use self-control. • They can’t sit and concentrate on instruction.

9. How can I help this child? • Use behavior management strategies at home and at school; • Request classroom accommodations; • Use doctor-recommended medications; • Facilitate information exchange between doctors, school andhome.

10. Support at Home and School • Set up regular routine for homework. • Schedule regular breaks for activity every 10 or 15 minutes. • Offer rewards or incentives for doing homework.

11. Support at Home and School • Give non-judgmental, constructive feedback. • Provide high interest books and materials. • Use an assignment book.

12. Communication • Use a home-school communication system; • Hold student-parent-teacher meetings; • Assist teachers in using the student’s strengths and talents at school.

13. School Issues • Off-task behavior; • Disorganization; • Sloppy work; • Not following directions; • Errors; • Disruptive behavior; • Daydreaming; • Social interaction difficulties.

14. AD/HD-Related Memory Problems • Working memory • Retrieval

15. Organization Difficulties · Time management; · Prioritizing work; · Reading/listening comprehension; · Note taking; · Study skills; · Multi-step tasks.

16. Classroom& Instructional Accommodations • Physical arrangement of room and schedule; • Incorporate technology with oral instruction; • Accept alternate assignments; • Teach skills needed.

17. Testing Accommodations • Provide study guides; • Change evaluation methods to suit the child's learning styles and strengths; • Allow use of technology (calculator, word-processor).

18. Grade Accommodations • Mark correct answers; • Base grades on standards with adaptations; • Specify skills mastered.

19. Homework • Limit homework; • Give adapted assignments; • Allow extra credit; • Allow work at school; • Provide written explanation; • Assign a study buddy; • Provide reminders about due dates; • Utilize school website.

20. Organization • Allow time for locker/ backpack organization; • Organize materials and assignments; • Use daily and weekly organization and clean up routines; • Use a 3-ring binder; • Follow-through.

21. Self-control • Prepare student for transitions; • Display rules; • Give behavior prompts; • Have clear consequences; • Provide time to de-stress; • Allow mindless motor movement; • Use activity rewards; • Provide supervision.

22. Working Memory • Focus on one concept; • List steps; • Write work down; • Use reading guides; • Teach note-taking; • Provide study guides; • Let student use computer.

23. Memory Retrieval • Teach memory devices; • Practice sorting main ideas and details; • Teach information and organization skills; • Use accommodations such as grouping, mneomics, chuking, and word banks

24. Attention Getters and Keepers • Repeat directions; • Increase task structure; • Highlight, color code and teach keyword underlining skills; • Summarize key information; • Give visual cues; • Have class start together.

25. Problems sticking with and finishing tasks: • Add interest and activity; • Divide tasks into segments; • Shorten tasks.

26. Advocate for your child • Become knowledgeable about ADHD; • Discuss ADHD, using books or Web sites; • Share management strategies in community.

27. The End

28. www.medicinenet.com/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_adhd/article.htmwww.medicinenet.com/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_adhd/article.htm National Attention Deficit Disorder Association The National Institute of Mental Health www.ncld.org - Learning Disabilities Association of America www.LDOnLine.com - an award-winning Web site offering in-depth information, audio and video clips, expert advice and a monthly newsletter for parents and professionals and for children and adults with LD and/or ADHD CHADD Support Groups for ADHD – www.chadd.org. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – www.NICHCY.org References