Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)

ED443GDavid Gofigan

Eleanor Quichocho

Definition

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sometimes called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), involves hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention and a tendency to act impulsively.

Objectives

• To describe a child with ADD/ADHD

• To explain the signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD

• To discuss the types of teaching tips

Prevalence

• begins in childhood and can affect all areas of a patient’s life.

• 3% - 5% of school-aged children-2 million children in the US (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH))

• Boys outnumber girls 3 to 1 (Mental Health America) However, girls may be under diagnosed.

Three Major Types

• Predominantly inattentive (ADHD/I)

• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD (ADHD/HI)

• Combined ADHD

Predominantly inattentive (ADHD/I)

• difficulty paying attention

• struggles to concentrate and complete tasks forgetful and easily distracted

• poor organizational skills, lethargic, sluggish, shy, anxious or constantly daydreaming

• most often diagnosed in adolescent girls, and is diagnosed if six or more symptoms of inattention have persisted for more than six months, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Combined ADHD• Combines symptoms of the other two forms of

ADHD

• the most common form of ADHD.

• diagnosed in boys of elementary-school age.

• diagnosed when six or more symptoms associated with each of the two major forms of ADHD are present.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD (ADHD/HI)

• difficulty controlling behavior, with an increased risk for serious aggressive or oppositional behavior and antisocial conduct.

• fidget and excessively restless.

• blurt out comments that are inappropriate and often do not think before they act.

• diagnosed if six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity have persisted for more than six months.

Causes

• Change in the brain structure• Genetic & heredity• Mother is exposed to chemicals during

pregnancy (smoke, alcohol, drugs)• Child exposed to chemicals at young age

(environmental toxins – PCBs or Lead)• Gender – boys are 3x more likely than girls

What is ADHD?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMikx-vjgKc&feature=related

Positive Traits

• Creativity

• Flexibility

• Enthusiasm and spontaneity

• Energy and drive

Diagnostic and Criteria of Children with ADD/ADHD

• Medical evaluation• Psychological

evaluation• Pediatricians• Psychiatrists• Family• Teachers

• Early onset• Duration• Settings• Impact• Developmental level• Alternative explanation

Treatment

Treatment Team• Child and adolescent

psychiatrists• Psychologists• Cognitive-behavioral

therapists• Educational specialists• Behavioral coaches

Plan• Education about ADHD• Behavioral intervention

strategies• Parent training• A specialized educational

program• Medication, when

necessary

Tips for Parents

• Believe in and support your child.

• Keep things in perspective.

• Pay attention to the siblings.

• Take of yourself.• Communicate• Connect

• Be consistent.• Set a good example.• Anticipate and avoid

problems.• Praise good behavior.• Negotiate and consult

with your child.• Pick your battles.

Teaching Tips for Teachers

• Seating• Structure• Role models• Peer tutoring• Cooperative learning• Transition• Creativity• Home connection

• Maintain eye contact• Clear and concise

instructions• Simplicity• Comprehension• Tone• Positive guidance• Assignment notebook

Great Tips

• Be informed.• Move toward a project-

based classroom.• Offer choices.• Give kids the tools to

compensate for shortcomings.

• Make directions as easy to follow as possible.

• Monitor progress.• Use alternative

assessments to measure learning.

• Ask for help.

Technology• Print or picture schedule• Low tech aids to find

materials (e.g. index tabs, color coded folders)

• Highlight text (e.g. markers, highlight tape, ruler, etc.)

• Recorded material (books on tape, taped lectures with number coded index, etc.)

• Voice output reminders for assignments, steps of task, etc.

• Electronic organizers

• Pagers and electronic reminders

• Single word scanners• Hand-held scanners• Software for concept

development/manipula-tion of objects

• Software for outlining and organization of ideas

• Palm computers

Thought Provoking Questions

• How should society assist and address the rise in students with ADD/ADHD upon transitioning into the world beyond high school?

• With all the media out there about cures and meds that work with ADD/ADHD, why do we still focus on the use of Ritalin?

• How can teachers address issues in their classroom when faced with two or more students with ADD/ADHD?

Resources

• Your Total Health http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/relationships

• ADD & ADHD in Children: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

• Teaching Children with ADD/ADHDhttp://www.teachervision.fen.com/add-and-adhd/

teaching-methods/5314.html