Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder
 What is ADHD?

It is a neurobiological-based development disability

with a persistent pattern of problems in the areas of:
 Inattention
 Hyperactivity
 Impulsivity
 The Feeling of Having ADHD

It can be compared to watching someone change the

channels on the TV every few second.
They tend to be socially blind, may miss rules and
structures which other people see much more
readily.
It is like being supercharged all the time.
They are spilling over all the time
It feels as if everything is happening all at once
creating a sense of inner turmoil or even panic
 Brain Structure in an ADHD

ADHD children showed 3%-4% smaller brain

volumes in all regions
Lower metabolism of glucose in the frontal region.
Imbalance or lack of norepinephrine and dopamine
to keep the brain working and are needed for paying
attention and controlling behavior.
 Possible Causes of ADHD

 Genetics- if a parent has ADHD his/her child is 8 times more

likely to have ADHD.
 Biological- reduced levels of neurotransmitters that enables
us to focus and block other stimuli.
 Complications during pregnancy and birth
 Medical Illness- those with hyperthyroid state that produces
too much hormones.
 Side effects of medications- phenobarbital (for epilepsy),
Dilantin (anticonvulsant), ephedrine and theophylline (for
asthma)
 Ear infection
 Family relationship
 Coexisting Disorders

 Oppositional Defiant Disorder (30-65%)

 Anxiety Disorder (20-40%)
 Conduct Disorder (10-25%)
 Bipolar (1-20%)
 Depression (10-47%)
 Tics/Tourette Syndrome (7%)
 Sleep Problems (50%)
 Secondary Behavioral Complications (65%)
 Learning Disability (20-35%)
 Severe PMS
 Giftedness
 Behavioral Characteristics-Inattention

Easily distracted
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Difficulty remembering and following directions
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks and play
activities
Difficulty sustaining level of alertness
 Behavioral Characteristics-Inattention

Forgetful in daily activities

Tunes out-may appear spacey
Appears confused
Easily overwhelmed
Difficulty in initiating
 Behavioral Characteristics-Inattention

Does not complete work

Difficulty working independently
Gets bored easily
Sluggish or may fall asleep easily in class
 Behavioral Characteristics-Inattention

Makes many careless mistakes

Inconsistent performance
Disorganize, loses even necessary things
Little or no awareness of time
 Behavioral Characteristics-Hyperactive

On the go
Leaves seat in which remaining seated is expected
Cannot sit still
Almost nonstop motion
Runs around inappropriately
 Behavioral Characteristics-Hyperactive

High degree of unnecessary movement

Restlessness
Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
quietly
Intrudes other people’s spaces
Difficulty in settling down or calming self
 Behavioral Characteristics- Impulsive

Talks excessively
Difficulty in waiting
Interrupts or intrudes others
Knows the rules but repeatedly makes the same
errors
 Behavioral Characteristics- Impulsive

Do not “stop and think” before acting

Makes inappropriate noise
Engages in physically dangerous activities
Makes tactless comments
Hurries through tasks making numerous mistakes
 Other Characteristics in Child and Teens with ADHD

A high degree of emotionality

Easily frustrated
Difficulty with transitions
Displays aggressive behavior
Cannot work for long-term goals
 Other Characteristics in Child and Teens with ADHD

Low self-esteem
Hypersocial behavior
Mood swings
Being self-critical
Academic passivity
What to do about…

The impulsive child talking out disruptively in class

Seat the child right near the teacher.
Acknowledge the child.
When the behavior persists, the teacher must
instruct the child in a matter-of-fact voice.
Have an aide sits near this child to quietly prompt
the child by reminding the rules.
What to do about…

The Out-of-Control child

Make the child feel safe with rocking and a calm
voice: “I will allow you to do that. Yes, I do love you,
but I will not allow you to…”
By removing the child from the classroom with an
adult or with the assistance of the counselor or
administrator
Wrap yourself around an out-of-control child and to
say over and over in a calm voice what will occur.
What to do about…

Children who want your attention and need to wait

Cover the child’s hand gently with the teacher’s hand
and rub it while continuing with the learner she/he is
engaged with.
Use an object that gives cue meaning so that when
the child sees it he/she will know it is not the right
time
What to do about…

Handling disappointments
Teach them the “Oh well…” attitude. Lead the
learners in saying, “oh well… maybe next time”.
When the learner use the, “oh well” response, the
teacher must reinforce with much praise, telling
them: “ you are so grown up. I am very proud of
you.”
What to do about…

The Tactile-Defensive Child

Do a lot to build tolerance and acceptance for some
degree of touching through numerous sensory
activities.
Better yet, it is highly recommended to consult with
an occupational therapist.
What to do about…

The child who has trouble sitting

Help the children sit with legs crossed on the carpet for paying
attention.
For children with no physical tone or ability to sit up on a carpet
and listen, consult an occupational therapist and/or a P.E.
teacher
Have an adult sit down with the child, with a gentle hand on the
shoulder or back- some physical contact to help keep the child
seated and focused.
Give some object that he/she can hold while sitting.
Allow leeway. Teachers may permit the child to get up. Walk
around quietly, and try to redirect when possible. Provide the
child some space and ignore when he
Strategies for Teachers to Manage Own Stress and Frustration

Take a deep breath and relax when the ADHD

learner is acting out.
Try not to overreact to misbehavior. Stay calm and
consider appropriate consequences.
Ask for support from other faculty and staff of the
school when needed.
Be flexible and try to keep your sense of humor.
Think ADHD-not bad
 Positive Traits and Characteristics Common among
those with ADHD

Highly Energetic Compassionate Empathetic

Verbal Accepting and
Spontaneous Forgiving
Creative and Inquisitive
Inventive Resilient
Artistic Makes and
Persistent creates fun
Imaginative Knows how to
Warmhearted enjoy the present
 Positive Traits and Characteristics Common among
those with ADHD

Resourceful Good at Full of ideas

Enthusiastic improvising Intuitive
Intelligent Sees different Good in crisis
Humorous aspects of a situations
Outgoing situation
Able to find novel
Ready for Action
solutions
Willing to try
Observant
new things