Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Introduction: What is ADHD?

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – one of the commonplace developmental disorders;
• Can affect both adults and children throughout life;
• Can often be less obvious or detectable than other disorders.

ADHD in Children

• ADHD is primarily found and diagnosed during childhood;
• Symptoms lessen with age in some cases;
• Solutions include medication and behavioral changes to accommodate the condition.

Symptoms of ADHD

Inattentiveness

• Easily distracted;
• Often forgets about things or loses things;
• Trouble listening or carrying out instructions.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

• Trouble sitting still;
• Fidgeting;
• Excessive talking/physical movement;
• Acting without thinking or interrupting.

Possible Effects of ADHD

1. Social alienation or trouble adjusting;
2. Problems completing day-to-day tasks, setting goals, or doing what is required;
3. A dislike of education and other professional settings due to their stifling and controlled nature.

Why is ADHD an Important Consideration in an education environment?

1. Educators play a critical role in both recognizing the disorder and adapting to working with affected children.
2. Teachers can work together with parents to assist those with ADHD.
3. School is a formative period of time for children, where learning to manage their condition and learn is most important.

Effects of ADHD on Learning

Children with ADHD have trouble focusing on a single task and paying attention, impacting their ability to learn and retain information.

ADHD can become a disruption for the classroom environment, which impacts both students and teachers.

Effects of ADHD on Socialization

• Disruptive or reckless behavior can have an alienating and distancing effect;
• Communication issues arise from ADHD student’s attention problems.

Accommodating ADHD Children in the Classroom

• Behavioral classroom management to incentivize particular behaviors;
• Organizational Training.

Improving learning and Information Retention

• Special Accommodations for learning and classroom activities;
• Frequent communication with students.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What Is ADHD? APA. Web.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd) in children. Mayo Clinic. Web.

NHS. (n.d.). Symptoms -Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nhs choices. Web.

Low, K. (2021). Why many women with adhd remain undiagnosed. Verywell Mind. Web.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Adhd in the classroom. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.