Chapter SevenIndividuals With Attention Deficit Individuals With Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity DisorderHyperactivity Disorder

Defining Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD is described as “a persistent

pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development.”

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

ADHD is not a separate disability category; it is in the Other Health Impaired (OHI) category

Students with ADHD may be eligible for special education or Section 504 services

2

3

Brief History of the Field 1902- “defective moral conduct” 1930s- discovery of stimulant

medications 1940s and 1950s- Strauss syndrome 1950s and 1960s- “minimal brain injury” 1960s- “hyperactive child syndrome” 1980s- shift of focus to observable behaviors rather than speculating about

brain injury

4

Prevalence of ADHD Affects 3% to 5% of school-aged

children (estimated 1.5 to 2.5 million children)

ADHD is one of the most chronic childhood conditions

There has been an increase in recent years in the number of students identified in the Other Health Impaired category

Boys are more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis of ADHD

5

Suspected Etiologies of ADHD

Neurological dysfunctionAnatomical differences and brain

chemistry imbalancesHereditary factors

Family studies and twin studiesEnvironmental factors

Pre-, peri-, and postnatal traumas

Watch this video to learn more about brain differences in children with ADHD

6

7

Social and Behavioral Issues Behavioral inhibition and executive

functioning: affects ability to self-regulate

Social and emotional issues: difficulties making and maintaining friendships, range of emotional difficulties

Comorbidity: ADHD frequently co-exists with other disabilities

8

Assessment of Students with ADHDMultidimensional evaluation processMedical evaluationBehavioral/educational evaluation

Common assessment tools:DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)

Rating scales ADHD Rating Scale-IV Conners’ Teachers Rating Scale-Revised

9

Educational Considerations It is not possible to determine accurate

statistics regarding the educational placement of students with ADHD due to their inclusion in the Other Health Impaired category.

It seems a safe assumption that most students with ADHD receive some or all of their education in the regular education classroom.

Students with ADHD may receive a special education or accommodations under Section 504.

Watch this video to explore strategies to help students with ADHD to succeed in school

10

Educational Considerations

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Self-regulation/monitoring Home-school collaboration Instructional modifications Stimulant medication

11

12

13

Adolescents and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Important considerations:Educational/Vocational OutcomesMarriage and RelationshipsFamily Relationships

14

Issues of Diversity ADHD diagnosis may reflect cultural

biases of the evaluators Difficulty in identification of ADHD in

individuals from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds

15