Back To Articles
Index
Back To Education Articles Index
IDENTIFYING
THE ADHD CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM
This
article has been reprinted from "The ADD/ADHD Information Library"
by Dr.
Doug Cowan
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the phrase that is used to describe children
who have significant problems with high levels of distractibility or
inattention, impulsiveness, and often with excessive motor activity levels.
There may be deficits in attention and impulse control without hyperactivity
being present. In fact, recent studies indicate that as many as 40% of the ADD
kids may not be hyperactive.
Research
shows that there are several things happening in the brain of the ADHD child
which causes the disorder. The main problem is that certain parts of the
Central Nervous System are under-stimulated, while others may be
over-stimulated. In some hyperactive kids there is also an uneven flow of
blood in the brain, with some parts of the brain getting too much blood flow,
and other centers not getting as much. Certain medications, or other forms of
treatment can be used to address these problems. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Can
the child pay attention in class? Some ADD kids can pay attention for awhile,
but typically can't sustain it, unless they are really interested in the
topic. Other ADD kids cannot pay attention to just one thing at a time, such
as not being able to pay attention to just you when you are trying to teach
them something. There are many different aspects to "attention," and
the ADD child would have a deficit in at least one aspect of it.
2. Is
the child impulsive? Does he call out in class? Does he bother other kids with
his impulsivity? These kids often cannot stop and think before they act, and
they rarely think of the consequences of their actions first. Impulsivity
tends to hurt peer relationships, especially in junior high school years.
3. Does
he have trouble staying in his seat when he's supposed to? How is he on the
playground? Can he wait in line, or does he run ahead of the rest of the
class? Does he get in fights often?
4.
Emotionally, these children often cannot delay gratification. They are
constantly looking for clues as to how they are doing. They may display a wide
range of moods, which are often on the extremes: they act too sad, too angry,
too excited, too whatever.
5. Is
the child working at grade level? Is he working at his potential? Does he/she
stay on task well? Does he fidget a lot? Does he have poor handwriting? Most
ADHD kids have trouble staying on task, staying seated, and many have terrible
handwriting.
HINTS
FOR TEACHERS: 1. Don't buy into the line, "He'd behave if he wanted
to." That may or may not be true. He may behave just fine from time to
time, and if you encourage him, he may do well for periods of time. But his
problem is not that he does not want to behave, rather his problem has a
medical basis as described above.
2.
Understand that of all kids with ADD, about 60% or so are hyperactive, and
that 40% or so are not hyper at all. Also know that about 60% are male, and
about 40% are female. Not all kids with ADD cause problems. Only one out of
three with the disorder will ever get help from a professional.
3. Don't
dismiss the behaviors as either poor parenting or poor classroom management.
4.
Before talking to the parents get a second opinion from another teacher, the
school psychologist, etc. Make a list of the behaviors that you are concerned
about. Don't try to diagnose the child yourself.
5.
Invite the parents to come in to your class and observe. More than one visit
may be required, as often having the parent present the first time creates a
"unique" situation which stimulates the child to do better than
normal.
6. Be
aware that the ADHD child often does very well in unique or novel situations,
or in one-to-one situations. This would include a visit to a physician or a
therapist to diagnose a problem. Also be aware that the worst place for an
ADHD child is in the classroom setting. There are dozens of distractions,
pressures, and rules which can be difficult for the child. Good luck with you
and your ADHD kids!!!
