Exceptional Learners presentation ADHD

Brittany, Rob, Kayla and Ryan

What is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurobehavioral disorder that
starts in childhood.
ADHD occurs in 5% to 12% of school-aged children in Canada.

Causes and Treatment

The medications for ADHD include stimulants (amphetamine and methylphenidate) and non-
stimulants (atomoxetine). both have been shown to be clinically effective in treatment of ADHD

Evidence has shown that 70% of children with ADHD given atomoxetine had significant improvement in
their symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more
clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. Mayo Clinic Staff Print. "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy."
Overview. N.p., 2016.

3 Presentations Presentation of ADHD

1. Predominantly Inattentive
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
3. Combined presentation

Assessment/ Diagnosis
Assessment of ADHD typically involves the comprehensive evaluation of information gathered from a number
of sources, including parents/carers, family members, teachers, partners and colleagues, depending on the
age of the patient

Formal assessment and diagnosis should only be made by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

Medication/ Self Esteem issues

Medications only improves attention and behavior. They do not improve a students learning and
achievement. Medication needs to be paired with effective interventions that benefit the childs learning
environment.

Interventions/ Strategies in the Classroom

Accommodations that can be made by the teacher themselves:

Externalize forms of information.

Adding posters with step-by-step directions on effective strategies

Externalize time and structures

Opening class with a schedule of the day
 Allowing a short mental break

- Walk to the water fountain

F.O.C.U.S a learning strategy for children with ADHD

F- Focus
O-Open your mind
C-Connect
U-Use your eyes
S-Select the parts you want to remember

Starting a lesson:

Signal the start of a lesson with an auditory cue

List all the activities of the lesson on the board
Establish eye contact with students with ADHD
List all the required materials for the lesson

Conducting a lesson:

Set up a nonverbal cue with a student with ADHD to keep them on task
o Example: placing a sticky note on their desk when they are getting off task
Allow the students with ADHD frequent short breaks
Allow the student to squeeze a ball or something that does not disrupt the class as a physical outlet.

Vary the pace of the lesson and have lots of different activities in the lesson

Ending a lesson:

Summarize the key points

If homework was assigned have students repeat it as well as write it on the board
Clearly communicate to the class what they need to take home with them

Yoga in the class:

- Yoga is beneficial for children with ADHD. It is cost efficient and beneficial for self regulation.