Sharing Good Practice
Identifying and helping students who have ADHD
By Lisa Fatimah
Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in quiet , wellbehaved children , leading to a delay in diagnosis ."
ADHD may present itself differently in each child . Students may be unruly and may not participate in activities as readily as their peers . Others have difficulty understanding lessons , rubrics or graphic organizers . Reflection may surround their aura or you can rely upon them appearing detached . Hyperactivity , impulsivity and inattention are the main attributes of ADHD .
To begin this article , I invite you to participate , by taking a short quiz . Don ’ t worry , it is not for a grade ; it is for greater understanding . Let ' s get started .
I . This student is obstreperous if s / he . . .
a ) is distracted quickly and takes great pains to complete their tasks .
b ) seems oblivious ( daydreaming ).
c ) ignores instructions , consistently errs and is unable to recall or follow directives .
d ) All of the above . e ) None of the above .
II . This student is a disrespectful spoiled brat if s / he . . .
a ) is unable to control their emotions and their ire is demonstrated without due cause .
b ) is constantly " dancing " in their chair or is unable to remain seated . c ) is clever but is constantly reminded to raise their hand or return to their seat .
d ) All of the above . e ) None of the above .
Would you be surprised to learn that the answer to both statements is letter "( e ) None of the above ?" The characteristics listed are not those of a wilfully disobedient , indolent or apathetic child , but of one undiagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ). Many children may experience some of the behaviours cited above . However , you may be surprised to learn that ADHD appears as early as 3 years of age , and is seen more in males than females .
According to The National Institute of Mental Health , " ADHD is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and / or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development . Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician , such as a paediatrician , psychologist , or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD .
As educators , we must arm ourselves with ostinatos , short , repeated , lessons that encourage and empower students ' strengths . It is unwise to view these children as lazy , or as different from normal children . As always , the affective filter is reduced and a welcoming and warm environment created . In the development of ideas - our lessons , let us remember Beethoven , " I alter some things , eliminate and try again until I am satisfied . Then begins the mental working out of material in its breadth , its narrowness , its height and depth ."
As educators , let us teach with positivity , patience and persistence . Lessons are varied and chunked into manageable and sometimes moving parts . Children with ADHD inspire an orchestra of engaged officials . Administrators , teachers , school counsellor , parents and doctor ( s ) represent their learning-solution team .
At Brandon Hall boarding school , I recall my student ’ s great and private shame . Often , I would hear , " Señora , I can ' t do this work because I have ADHD ."
I would respond , “ Oh really ? Well , guess what ? In this class ADD means " Actively pursuing your Dynamic Destiny and ADHD is Actively Determining your HIGHEST Destiny ."
Always , set the bar high , with love and a sincere smile .
18 | Mar - Apr 2017 | | Class Time