ADHD


 * __ADHD Fact Sheet: What Do We //Really// Know?__**

by Cathy and Sarah C. · The Origins of ADHD o Stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder o Used to be known as Attention Deficit Disorder, but was renamed in the 90’s o Sometimes ADD still used as defining those without the element of hyperactivity o Medical condition that affects sitting still/paying attention/focus o Differences in the parts of their brains that control attention and activity

o ADHD covers three categories of behavior: § Attention § Activity § Impulsivity

o There are also different types within the spectrum of ADHD § Combined type – exhibits all three behaviors § Hyperactive/impulsive – exhibits hyperactivity/impulsivity, but not inattention § Inattentive type – (Formerly ADD) not active or disruptive, usually just inattentive · This may go unnoticed in the classroom

· Symptoms or Signs of ADHD o NOTE: ADHD can be broad, and can show up different ways in different people o Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on a task or activity o Have a tendency to daydream o Problems finishing assignments at school or home o Jumps from one activity to another o Trouble focusing on instructions and difficulty following through o Loses or forgets things o Easily distracted at any time o Problems paying close attention to details or makes careless mistakes o Trouble organizing tasks and activities o Feels restless o Talks excessively

· Misconceptions o Everyone has to use medication to help treat the disorder o ADD and ADHD are the same o There is no such thing as ADD anymore o Symptoms or signs always mean ADHD or ADD

· Accommodations o Seat placement o Give them an outlet for their fixations o Encourage organization in the classroom (older students) o Physical exercise o Support from resource teachers (special education) § Can sometimes be a modification as well o Provide reassurance and encouragement o Repeat directions multiple times and different ways o Look for opportunities for student to display leadership role in class

· Curricular Modifications o Individualized, written schedule that your child can refer to o "Study buddy", one-on-one attention o Break down/apart or simplify assignments to be more attainable

· Resources o [] o [] o ADHD Quiz: [] o [] o CHADD website (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder): http://chadd.org/ o Attention Deficit Disorder Association website: http://www.add.org/ o [] []