Understanding Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity

Disorder

Video

http://www.chadd.org/Content/CHADD/EspeciallyForPress/CHADD_video.htmhttp://www.chadd.org/Content/CHADD/EspeciallyForPress/CHADD_video.htm

IDEA Category

ADHD is a subcategory under Other Health Impaired– Has limited strength, vitality, or alertness,

including a heightened alertness with respect to the educational environment that

• Is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• Adversely affects a child’s educational performance

Kids with ADHD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcy2jF1EXjk&feature=related

Prevalence One of the most frequent reasons children are referred to guidance clinics 3-7% of the school- age children suffer from ADHD – In a class of 25-30 students at least 1 student will

have ADHDOccurs more frequently in boys than girls; boys are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed– Boys exhibit noticeable hyperactive and impulsive

behaviors– Girls exhibit inattentive behavior

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Definition– Two types

• Inattention• Hyperactivity-Impulsivity

DSM-IV Classification– ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type– ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type– ADHD, Combined Type

Inattention Refers To:

Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following:– Failing to pay close attention to details and

making careless mistakes that are inconsistent with child’s developmental level

– Failing to sustain attention to tasks and/or play activities

Inattention Refers To (continued)

– Failing to listen, even when spoken to directly

– Failing to complete tasks– Having difficulty with organization– Resisting to work on tasks that require

sustained attention– Losing materials and objects– Becoming easily distracted– Being forgetful

Hyperactivity Refers To

Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following:– Hyperactivity

• Fidgeting or squirming• Having a difficult time remaining and seated in class• Running or climbing excessively when it’s not

appropriate• Having difficulty playing quietly• Acting a though he/she is “driven by a motor”• Talking too much

Impulsivity Refers To

Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following:– Blurting out answers– Difficulty waiting for their turn– Interrupting others or butting into activities

Onset of inattention and/or hyperactivity should be present before age 7 and in two or more separate settings.

Simulation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCbrQp3MIwc&feature=related

Characteristics of ADHD

Poor sustained attention or vigilance

Impulsive or poor delay of gratification

Hyperactivity or poorly regulated activity

Diminished rule-governed behavior

Increased variability of task performance

Is ADHD Caused by…

A lack of will or self-controlParents who don’t discipline their childrenWatching too much TV or playing video gamesDietary issues such as too much sugarLiving in a fast-paced, stressful culture

Some Known CausesHeredity– Greater than 50% likelihood if have a parent with

ADHD– 5 to 7 times greater chance if sibling has ADHD

Structures of the brain– Frontal lobe, cerebellum and basal ganglia

Biological cause– Prenatal (exposure to cigarette smoke, lead, alcohol)– Perinatal (complications at delivery)– Postnatal (brain infections)

Affected Brain

There are 3 areas of the brain that have consistent abnormalities in people with ADHD– Prefrontal Lobes– Frontal Lobes– Basal Ganglia

Each of these areas are smaller in children and adults, abnormality shows more in the right side of the brain than other parts.

Prefrontal Lobes, Frontal Lobes, Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum and Corpus Callosum

Prefrontal, Frontal Lobes– Regulates behavior

Basal Ganglia– Involves control of motor behavior and

coordinationCerebellum– Also responsible for coordination and motor

behavior controlCorpus Callosum– Connects left and right hemispheres of the brain,

necessary for communication between them.

Hereditary FactorsFamily Studies– If a parent has ADHD there is a 57% chance their child will

have ADHD– If a child has ADHD there is a 32% chance their sibling will

also have ADHD Twin Studies – If and identical twin and a fraternal twin have ADHD, the

second identical twin is more likely to have ADHD than the second fraternal twin

Molecular Genetic Studies– There is no specific gene that causes ADHD, it is a

combination of several genes.

Toxins & Medical Factors

Fetal alcohol and tobacco use by a mother puts the child at a higher risk of ADHD due to toxins Birth complications and low birthweight are also associated with ADHD– Low birthweight is caused by smoking

Coexisting Conditions

ADHD often occurs simultaneously with other behavioral and/or learning problems25% to 50% of people with ADHD also exhibit some form of emotional or behavioral disorderIn addition, persons with ADHD run a higher risk than the general population for substance abuseAdolescents with ADHD are more likely to experiment prematurely with alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs. Not exactly known why this is.

Medication as Treatment

Stimulant medication• Ritalin• Dexadrine• Adderall• Cylert• Concerta

Medication is only one aspect of a treatment plan

Medication Issues

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_medications.htm

Educational Interventions

Use novelty in instruction and directions

Maintain a schedule

Prepare students for transitions and provide support in completing transitions

Emphasize time limits

Educational Interventions

Provide organizational assistanceProvide rewards consistently and oftenBe brief and clearArrange the environment to facilitate attentionProvide optimal stimulationAllow for movement and postures other than sitting

Educational Interventions

Keep homework assignments separate from unfinished school workUse homework as practice for materials that have already been taughtIdentify the minimum amount to demonstrate learningProvide timelines for tasks associates with long-term assignments