What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disorder that makes it difficult for a
person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. Individuals with ADHD may also be
restless and almost constantly active. While ADHD is commonly viewed as a childhood
disorder, it can continue through both adolescence and adulthood. The hyperactive side of
ADHD can very well weaken past childhood, but many adolescents and even adults continue to
struggle with inattention, disorganization, and a lack of impulse control.

What Causes ADHD?

Throughout many years of intensive research, scientists have found a wide variety of different
causes of ADHD. While some causes are genetic, others can be created by environmental
factors. Some environmental factors contain the following:
 Smoking during pregnancy
 Drinking during pregnancy
 Low birth weight
 Environmental toxins, including lead
 Food additives
 Poor diet
 Chemical exposure
While there is a great deal of different environmental factors that can contribute to ADHD, the
main effect is genes that are passed down from an individual’s birth parents. With this being
said, if your child does have some form of ADHD, it is at no fault of the parent if it is the result
of genetics.
How many people are diagnosed with ADHD?
ADHD has become very common in recent years. While there are many individuals that go over
diagnosed, there are still a great deal of people that do have some form of ADHD.

Is ADHD common?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD occurs in an estimated 3 to 5
percent of preschool and school-age children. Therefore, in a class of 25 to 30 children, it is
likely that at least one student will have this condition.
While it is a disability that virtually anyone could have, boys have a higher change of having
ADHD than girls, whose risk is 3% lower.

Is ADHD treatable?
While there is not a one-size-fits-all cure for ADHD, there are many treatment options that those
who are effected with it can utilize, depending on what works best for them, including:
 Medicine
o Antidepressants
o Stimulants
o Non-stimulants
 Therapy
o For Children
o For Teens
o For Adults/Parents
 Training
o Parenting skills training
o Stress management training
o Support Groups
How can ADHD impact the general education setting?
ADHD can negatively impact the general education setting. While it is no fault of the individual
who has the disability, it can be hard for the surrounding students, teachers, and the student with
the disability themselves in the general education setting.
 Students with ADHD
Students with ADHD find it difficult to control their bodies and are looked at
as being “overly energetic”. Therefore, these students can find it difficult to sit
still and stay seated for the entirety of a class period. This can make learning
hard for the individual with ADHD, as a typical classroom and lesson does not
stimulate them in the way they need and feel accustom to. If students with
ADHD are not stimulated by movement, they are less likely to be focused,
and can potentially end up getting in trouble for constantly moving, when it is
in fact a way in which their minds are stimulated.
 Other students
Students who are in the general classroom with individuals who have ADHD
can sometimes struggle, as well. When one student needs more attention than
the rest, the students can miss out on an extended education. As well as this, if
the student with ADHD is constantly moving around the classroom, other
students could get distracted, making it hard for them to concentrate, and
receive the education they need.
 Teachers
Teachers can find it exceptionally hard to teach those with ADHD. Because of
the constant movement and individualized instruction that these students need,
teachers can find themselves only teaching to one particular student, instead of
the whole class. Teachers also can feel “burned out” easily when having to
teach a lesson in multiple ways to different students, which can hinder the
quality of the education all students should be receiving.
Evidence Based Interventions
There are many different scientific and evidence-based interventions that help those effected by
ADHD to cope with the stressors that their disability causes them. The following 5 interventions,
while helpful, may not be suitable for all individuals with ADHD, so it is important to check
with a doctor or therapist about which intervention would be best for you, your child, or your
student.

* Classroom Management
What is it?
Classroom Management is a process and plan used by educators to make sure that their
classroom runs smoothly. Teachers use these plans to help with their lessons and student
behavior.

What is the cost?

If teachers want certain materials to use in their classrooms, it could cost money from
their own funds. However, plans for the most part do not cost any additional classroom funds.

Is it timely?
Creating a classroom management plan can take quite a bit of time for a teacher. The
teacher has to first get to know there students and understand their disabilities, which can take a
long period of time, depending on when or how the student behaves in their classroom.
Deciding which rules should be used within a classroom can require a lot of planning
ahead. Typically, teachers try to incorporate some of their students’ ideas and views for the
classroom rules, which can take weeks to accomplish.
 Can it be done in the classroom?
Classroom management plans are used for the classroom to control positive and desirable
behavior.

Additional References
 https://www.apa.org/education/k12/classroom-mgmt

* Exercise
What is it?
Physical exercise is a bodily activity that helps with both physical health, as well as
emotional and mental wellbeing. Exercising helps those with ADHD by getting blood pumping
and allowing their body and brain to create certain endorphins, which helps with focus and
concentration.

What is the cost?

The cost of exercise can vary. If an individual is simply walking, the cost is free.
However, if an individual wants to use exercise equipment, people could pay up to $20 a month
on gym memberships, or thousands of dollars on personal, at home equipment.

Is it timely?
Exercising on a regular basis can be timely. It is better to have a set schedule for exercise.
It is important that all individuals, both with ADHD and not, exercise or are physically active for
30 to 60 minutes per day.

Can it be done in the classroom?

It can be difficult for students to exercise in the classroom, unless that particular
classroom is the gym. Teachers can incorporate low amounts of exercise, however, including
stretching and breathing techniques.

Additional References
 https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/exercise-manage-adhd-symptoms#1
* Medication
What is it?
Medications are forms of prescription drugs that can be used to help individuals with
disabilities, including ADHD. There are two main types of medications used for ADHD,
including stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants trigger the chemical in the brain called dopamine, which help to stimulate
motivation. Stimulants take up to one hour to kick in, and in most cases need to be taken up to 3
times a day, as they are short acting.
Non-stimulants increase brain activity of norepinephrine, which is linked to attention.
Non-stimulants, while last longer, take up to 6 weeks to kick in.
Both stimulants and non-stimulants have a number of side effects, including loss of
appetite, difficulty falling asleep, weight loss, and irritability or increased anxiety, and nausea.

What is the cost?

While some medications can cost as little as $20, some can cost upmost to over $1000.
Many individuals can get help paying for their medications, however, with insurance.

Is it timely?
There are many routine checkups that need to be made if your child gets put on a
medication. It is important that your doctor monitors them and sees how they are doing on a
weekly or monthly basis to see how the medications are effecting them.
In many cases, individuals will have to switch between different medications to find their
right fit, which can take years.

Can it be done in the classroom?

While prescription drugs can not be handed out or taken directly in the classroom, many
school offices are able to hold onto students’ prescriptions and can have them come to the office
when it is time to take them.

Additional References
  https://www.goodrx.com/adhd/drugs
 https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-
approaches/medications/types-of-adhd-medications
 https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-treatment-costs-struggle-to-afford-meds-therapy/

* Parental Training
What is it?
Parental Training helps to educate parents on ADHD and how it could effect both their
child at home and at school. Parents meet up with educators, therapists, and sometimes doctors to
find ways and different strategies that would help their child and their educational growth.

What is the cost?

If trainings are done at the child’s school, they are usually free. However, if you choose
to meet with a doctor or therapist, meetings can cost hundreds of dollars.

Is it timely?
Many teachers require parents to meet with them on a weekly basis to track student
progress. Some therapists, too, want to meet on a weekly or monthly basis. Meetings can usually
last as long as an hour.

Can it be done in the classroom?

Meetings with teachers and parents can be done in the classroom, either before or after
normal school hours.

Additional References
 https://ccf.fiu.edu/_assets/pdfs/psychosocial_fact_sheet-updated-1214.pdf

* Self-Regulation
What is it?
Self-regulation is when a student monitors themselves, without the extreme supervision
of an adult, parent, therapist, or teacher. Students learn about the behavior that is desired in their
classroom or at home and discover ways to control themselves. If a child or student is
misbehaving, generally they are given a “look”, or other nonverbal cue which allows them to
evaluate themselves and change their behavior.

What is the cost?

There is no cost for children to self-regulate themselves.
 Is it timely?
Self-regulation is not a very time-consuming process but does take some time for them to
understand what their desirable behavior is, and what the nonverbal cues are.

Can it be done in the classroom?

Self-regulating is not done exclusively in the classroom but is used a great deal. Teachers
can use nonverbal communication to let their students know what they should be doing, and what
will happen to them if they continue to have behavioral issues.

Additional References
 https://adhd.dk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/03/Temablok-A3-George-
DuPaul.pdf
 https://ccf.fiu.edu/_assets/pdfs/psychosocial_fact_sheet-updated-1214.pdf

Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

 Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids
o Educational App
 This app can be used on iPhones, iPads, and computers alike. This
application allows children to slow down and to breathe. Students with
ADHD often are on high energy all day, and this app helps them to focus
on one task at a time. It even gives tips about meditation and helps
children to work on breathing techniques while playing games and
learning.
 Conversation Planner
o Educational App
 Because some students with ADHD struggle with words, expressing
emotions, and communicating with other individuals, the Conversation
Planner allows children to think about how they speak, or what the correct
steps are in a conversation. The Conversation Planner gives students
hypothetical situations and has them respond to the questions they are
being asked. The app guides them throughout their answers and helps
them to communicate on a higher level.
 ADHD: Out of Control Kids
o Documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRYl9Bf0yhs)
  This film follows the lives of many different individuals who live with
ADHD. While adults are examined throughout the documentary, children
are also followed. Parents of the children with ADHD discuss the
difficulties that they face with raising a child with a disability and try
different methods to cope with it.
 ADHD Child vs. Non-ADHD Child Interview
o Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IO6zqIm88s)
 This short interview shows viewers just how different the lives of children
are who suffer from ADHD, versus those who do not. The young girl in
the video answers questions a lot more in depth and tends to get distracted
easily. She also cannot sit still, and states that she does not like school
because of the difficulty level.
 “My Mouth is a Volcano”
o Children’s Book
 This book is written for children and discusses a child who has a hard time
with talking out. He has a lot of thoughts in his mind and wants everyone
to know what he is saying and thinking! This book is a great read for
children with ADHD, as they can identify with the main character, and can
develop techniques on how to diminish the “volcano”.
 “Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets”
o Children’s Book
 This book is also written for children who struggle with ADHD and sitting
still. The main characters teacher has trouble with him in class, because he
is constantly moving around. The main character decides to find some
ways to help with his ADHD and makes a self-management plan.
 “Parenting Children with ADHD”
o Parenting Book
 This book informs parents that have children with ADHD some of the
behavioral issues that they may have. This book also discusses how having
ADHD can hinder the educational advantages of students. This book gives
tips to parents about how to better parent their children and gives them
ideas of how to help them educationally.
 “Boy Without Instructions”
o Parenting Book
 This book is written for parents who are fearful of the struggles with
raising an ADHD child. This book follows the life of a mom and her son.
The mom at the beginning is very controlling, because she is so unsure
about what to expect. As she learns, however, she is more comfortable
with her son and allows herself to break free of her.
 The Memory Game
o Boardgame
  The Memory Game is a boardgame by Milton Bradley. This game allows
children, and even adults, to flip cards around and to find matches. This
helps students with memory and is a fun activity to do both at home and at
school. The person who has the both cards at the end wins, which can
make it a competitive game.

 Let’s Go Fishing Game

o Boardgame
 The Let’s Go Fishing Game is a boardgame by Milton Bradley. This game
allows for a lot of different steps and details that children need to pay
attention to. The children first need to focus and learn how to set up the
game, and then how to catch the fish. Once these steps are learned, the
children will have different fish to catch. This game helps students to
focus on details and helps with attention.

Resources About Inclusion

 Peer Inclusion Interventions for Children with ADHD
o https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/7693479/
 Inclusion of Pupils with ADHD
o https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13603116.2017.1370741?
journalCode=tied20
 Supporting Students with ADHD in Inclusive Classrooms
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04tpJTue24o
 Helping the Student with ADHD in the Classroom
o http://www.ldonline.org/article/5911/
 5 Benefits of Inclusion Classrooms
o https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-
approaches/educational-strategies/5-benefits-of-inclusion-classrooms

Additional Resources
 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-
adhd-the-basics/index.shtml
  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
 https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-checklist/
 https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/resource_centers/adhd_resource_center
/ADHD_A_Guide_for_Families/Home.aspx
 http://www.aacap.org/app_themes/aacap/docs/resource_centers/adhd/adhd_parents_medi
cation_guide_brochure.pdf

Accommodations in the Classroom

 Tests
o If students with ADHD have trouble focusing on tests or get test anxiety, teachers
can
1) Extend test time
2) Allow the student to test in a quiet, personal location
 Lectures
o If students with ADHD struggle with focusing during lectures, it would be
beneficial for them if teachers
1) Record/Audio-Tape the lessons
2) Allow students to have eBooks
 Assignments
o If students with ADHD have a hard time finishing an assignment by its due date,
teachers can
1) Allow extra time/extend the due date
2) Break longer assignments into short sections, so the student does not get
frustrated
 Classroom Setup
o If students with ADHD often get easily distracted, it would be beneficial for
teacher to
1) Have the student sitting as close as possible to the teacher
2) Have the student sitting away from windows or doors.
 Organization
o If students with ADHD have a hard time keeping track of materials and
assignments, teachers can
1) Give binders to the students
2) Encourage students to use planners, and help them to keep them updated