Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Learning Disabilities – ADHD

            Each and every classroom is unique in its own way, as teachers if we run to any classroom we will encounter a variety of students, in other words, fast and slow learners, learners that have different interests. Also, we might have students that have learning disabilities. However, we must keep in mind that these students are as special and smart as their other classroom mates, the only problem is that we deal with them without being aware of the disability that causes them to be incapable to control themselves. Through this paper we will be highlighting the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) and show teachers how enjoyable it can be to teach such students if we are aware of the different strategies we can utilize with these special students.

Definition:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD – ADHD) is defined as inattention and impulsivity combined with hyperactivity. But if we think about it all children sometimes show that they can't concentrate in the class, are restless and are super hyperactive as well as they do things without thinking of the consequences behind it. But what differentiate these students from ADHD students is that they commit these behaviors to the extreme and far more than the children of their same age. This disorder has four times more chances to affect boys than girls. 

Each one of these three types is mainly identified by the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

1- Inattentive type: When the main symptoms are inattention, distraction, and disorganization, the type is usually called inattentive.

2- Hyperactive/impulsive type: When the main symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsiveness, the type is usually called hyperactive/impulsive.

3- Combined type: As its name signifies, the third type has some symptoms from each of the other two types.
Characteristics:

Students that have ADHD struggle with:

-          Sitting still

-          Staying in their seats

-          Following directions

-          Concentrating

-          Staying focused on a certain task for a long period of time

-          Tasks that require high level of thinking

-          Playing quietly

-          Writing things down and using a neat and proper handwriting

-          Controlling themselves

-          Speaking in appropriate times

-          Waiting their turn

-          Saying the right things

-          Remembering things

-          Taking time with and/or completing their work

A child with ADHD will show these symptoms in more than one setting. They most likely will end up showing these signs in school as well as their homes.

Causes of ADHD:

Some people think that an ADHD child's behavior is caused by a lack of discipline, a chaotic family life, or even too much TV.
In fact, research suggests that ADHD stems from genetic disorder.
However, some environmental factors may influence the severity of the disease, but such factors do not give rise to the disease by themselves. Some of these factors are:

1-Environmental Agents:

Studies have shown a relationship between the use of cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy and the risk for ADHD. In addition, another environmental agent that can affect the fetus as well as the newly born kid is to live in old buildings that lead still exists in the plumbing as well as the lead in the paint.

2- Brain injury:

"Brain injury that results from a serious blow to the head, a brain tumor, a stroke, or disease can cause problems with inattention and poor regulation of motor activity and impulse." says Leavitt.

So, because people that suffered from Brain injury has shown some signs of ADHD they associate it with the disease, however only a small amount of kids with ADHD  have suffered from a traumatic brain injury.  

Food additives and Sugar:

Researches have shown that kids that have ADHD and consume food with mixture of some artificial food colors and the preservative "sodium Benzoate" have more chances to increase the symptoms of ADHD, in other words, they tend to feel super hyperactive during the day.

Genetics:

Researches have proven that the main principle behind ADHD, is genetics, in other words, it runs in the family. Smith affirms that "It may be one of the most heritable psychiatric disorders". Studies indicate that 25% of the close relatives in the families of ADHD children also have ADHD.

Researches continue to study and trying to find the genes responsible for ADHD. A new study done at Cardiff University in Wales found that children with ADHD, are more likely to have missing or duplicated segments of DNA.

Solutions:

 We, as teachers, must be more than educators to our ADHD students; we must be more like their parents, their guiders, coaches and facilitators in their learning journey. We must understand them and take into considerations how they feel, and try and put ourselves in their shoes. It isn’t an easy task to do, but we must follow certain strategies in dealing with students struggling from ADHD, and treat them in a special way that fit their needs emotionally and academically. The following points are approaches that we can as teachers follow to help engaging our ADHD students in the class and bring the best out of them:

1-      They learn best with hands-on activities

2-      Seat the students away from any distractions, such as doors and windows. Seat them in the front row, closely to the eyes of the teacher.

3-      Classroom rules should be clear and reviewed in a regular basis with the students. These rules should be also present in a written form and placed at the eye level of the students.

4-      Give instructions and break them into small chunks so they can understand it. Repeat them whenever necessary.

5-      Give them immediate and direct feedback on their work. In this way, they will feel proud of themselves and would want to seek more knowledge.

6-      Make them aware of the consequences behind their actions.

7-      Ignore negative behaviors that aren’t disruptive to the whole class.

8-       Let them move throughout the session. For example: ask them to write something on the board, erase it…

9-      When talking with an ADHD student, try to place your hand on his shoulder or arm, in this way he has more chances to concentrate on what you are telling him.

10-  Allow the student to hold something tactile, such as a "koosh ball", for him to manipulate and move his hands. Thus, he has more chances to focus.

11-  Allow him/her to chew gum in order to release energy and stay focused.

12-  Work on the most complex material early in the day.

13-  Provide them with shorter exams instead of long ones.

14-  Test them with the tasks they do best in, such as oral, written, listening task etc…. In this way, we will allow them to experience success.

15-  Provide them with time to organize their materials and as they leave home remind them of what they need to take with them.

16-   Provide them with extra time to submit their assignments and quizzes.

17-  When giving them assignments, let them choose what they want to do. Thus, they will be more committed to do it.

18-  Incorporate technology in your session whenever appropriate. Let them use the Microsoft word, in this way they will keep their fingers busy.

19-  Vary your routine. Thus, they won't feel bored

20-  Be an enthusiastic teacher and show them how enjoyable learning can be.

21-  Keep eye contact with them. Thus, they will feel appreciated and more concentrated.

22-   Provide them with visual aids to grab their attention and make your class look vivid.

           

To conclude, students with ADHD have proven that they can be creative; flexible, enthusiastic about learning and are packed with energy to learn just as long as they are given the resources they need to thrive.