AEN Information Sheet Five: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This is an inherited condition, more common in boys, which results in
inattention, impulsiveness, hyperactivity and daydreaming. These children cannot help misbehaving. ‘Ritalin’
may be prescribed to modify behaviour.
Children with ADHD may
- have a short attention span, poor concentration and difficulty following
instructions
- easily be distracted and have difficulty listening
- be forgetful, disorganised and lose books and homework
- take time to settle down to work
- act without thinking and are impatient
- take risks and are excitable
- be restless and fidgety, and wander around the classroom
- be argumentative and interrupt
- seek attention
- experience mood swings and are immature
- be erratic, and show spasmodic academic progress.
Practical
suggestions
- Raise the pupil’s self-esteem by setting achievable tasks, and giving regular
feedback about progress.
- Provide the pupil with a diary or tick list to remind them of what tasks need to be completed
by when.
- Keep instructions, routines and rules short, concise, clear and positive.
- Ask the pupil to repeat what you have asked them to do to check understanding.
- Sit the pupil near the front of the class away from the distractions of doors and windows.
- Present work in small, manageable steps and give breaks in between tasks.
- Give the pupil interesting, stimulating curriculum materials to sustain interest.
- Quickly remove a pupil experiencing a temper tantrum from the rest of the class. Talk
calmly to them. Get them back on task as soon as possible.
- Do not let the pupil know they have upset you or made you angry. Appear cool and calm.
- Ensure pupils have recorded homework correctly.
Additional Educational Needs: