Educating ADHD Students

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition which exposes developmentally unsuitable levels of inattention, and/or hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity (Leroux & Levitt-Periman, 2000). ADHD is thought to be caused by a dysfunction in the frontal lobes of the brain. Two percent to six percent of today’s learners are affected by ADHD, while three times as many boys as girls are affected with ADHD (Humphrey, 2009). It is important as educators that we know the signs of the ADHD learner as well as strategies to use to maximize their learning.

Early detection of children with ADHD is important due to the prevention of secondary disorders. If the parent suspects ADHD, they should their child to their doctor who may send them to a mental health specialist (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011). Kyoriotaji and Manolitsis (2010) both believe it is very important to ask for the child’s classroom teacher to contribute important information because of their extensive contact with the children in a structured and unstructured environment by creating a baseline of behavior to begin the process of diagnosis.

Individuals with ADHD may be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. Individuals that exhibit inattention may be easily distracted that causes them to miss details, forget things, and often swap from one thing to another. They may have problems focusing on one thing or become bored with an activity after only a few minutes unless they are doing something they really enjoy. ADHD learners may have difficulty focusing, organizing, and finishing a task or learning something. Because of these it makes it difficult for the learner to complete homework or assignments, or even remember to bring a pencil o...

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...ournal of Special Eduation, 19-25.

Kypriotaki, M., & Manolitsis, G. (2010). Teachers' evaluations for the detection of primary-school children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 269-281.

Leroux, J., & Levitt-Periman, M. (2000). The gifted child with attention deficit disorder: an identification andiIntervention challenge. Roeper Review, 171.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2011). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved October 4, 2011, from National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/adhd_booklet.pdf

Pelham, W., Fabiano, G., & Massetti, G. (2005). Evidence-based assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolscent Psychology, 449-76.