A Sample of e-Homework Assignments for a Child with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

According to Jackson in her study done for the U.S. Department of Education, Special Education
Division (2004):
Adolescents with ADHD tend to be more withdrawn and less communicative. They are often
impulsive, reacting spontaneously without regard to previous plans or necessary tasks and
homework (p. 1).
ADHD children experience difficulty maintaining social relationships, and recent studies show
that aggressive tendencies may be to blame, and that it isnt so much a deficit of social skills, but
rather a deficit of performance with social skills. Moreover, existing social relationship
interventions focus on deficits in skills rather than deficits in performance. A better solution is
likely if we accept that there must be a continuation of behavioral expectations between home
and school (Ozdemir, p. 188-189).
Perhaps new forms of communication can be tried with ADHD children. One example is having
them present in their avatar form. Avatars allow students to try on identities as explorers,
researchers, scientists, engineers et cetera. In this way, students can show teachers and peers how
they wish to represent themselves. (Annett & Annett). Also, a new form of communication
(Gunter & Rutledge, 2014) is Google Hangouts, where students can videoconference with the
teacher while simultaneously collaborating on a document that is before them on the screen (p.
257).
In summary, the home is key, according to Bos (2010), and there are many routines at home to
install the stability needed to complete HW. For instance, same time/same place: 7pm each night
with a teacher or tutoring by TA, and at the same desk set up, far from distraction but in view of
the parent, with a parent well acquainted with HW procedures.

Annett, A, & Annett, V. Avatars and aliases: Online identities and role playing during STEM
instruction. Google Doc retrieved at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b9i6hxeUoTZf_LWtK0h6lpIoi1uffDCWuOvCHC3wu8/edit
Bos, C., Nahmias, M., & Urban, M. (2010). Targeting home-school collaboration for students
with ADHD. LD Online. Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/5993/
Gunter, S. & Rutledge, P. (2014). My Google apps. Indianapolis, IN: Pearson Education.
Jackson, S., (2004). Teaching children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Instructional
strategies and practices. Darby, PA: Diane Publishing Co.
Ozdemir, S., (2010). Peer relationship problems of children with AD/HD: Contributing factors
and implications for practice. International Journal of Special Education, 25(1), 185-194.