WHO ARE THEY? ATTENTION DEFICIT & HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

WHO ARE THEY?

ATTENTION DEFICIT & HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

*A disorder where children consistently display behaviors of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are long term and excessive.

TYPES

1. AD/HD Predominantly inattentive Type
2. AD/HD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
3. AD/HD Predominantly Combined Type

CHARACTERISTICS

1. Inattention- a process that has different parts—focus, select, sustain, resist, shift

-          having a short attention span and distractible

-          difficulty in concentrating on tasks

-          get lost in the directions along the way

2. Hyperactivity-fidgety behaviors: restlessness

-          Inappropriate/non-purposive locomotion (usually running); exploratory behaviors

3. Impulsivity- acting without thinking

-          Displays behaviour that is risk but the child just has difficulty controlling impulse and will often be surprised to discover that he or she has gotten into a dangerous situation and has no idea how to get out of it.

CAUSES

1. Heredity
2. Brain Physiology
3. Environmental factors
4. Biochemical Imbalance

ASSESSMENT

-          Should be conducted by a well-trained professionals

-          Is based on observable behavior symptoms in multiple settings

TREATMENT

1. Understanding AD/HD
2. Provide Behavior Management
3. Creating a Behavior Modification Programs
4. Medication

EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

The following performance areas will be affected:

-          Starting tasks

-          Staying on tasks

-          Completing tasks

-          Making transitions

-          Interacting with others

-          Following through directions

-          Producing work at consistently normal levels

-          Organizing multi-step tasks

EDUCATIONAL GUIDELINES for:

1. Teacher
2. Environment
3. Curriculum
4. SPED

HELPING THE AD/HD CHILD IN SCHOOL

1. General Principles in Teaching AD/HD Children
2. Getting the Child’s Attention and Working on Focus
3. Improving the Child’s Self- Esteem