Special Education
Teaching Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Introduction |
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a neurological condition that has come to greater attention of parents, educators and the general public in recent years. Throughout history, characteristics of the disorder - hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity - have been observed in children. Only in recent decades has understanding, diagnosing, and providing supports for these students become common. Heightened awareness of the disorder has positive and negative implications for educators. On one hand, an abundance of educational research has provided updated ideas for teachers and a wealth of resource materials are becoming available. On the other hand, some parents and educators wonder if the AD/HD diagnosis is being overused to account for a number of other conditions that may result in similar behavioural patterns. Regardless of the controversy, teachers must address the day to day challenges of working with students who exhibit these characteristics.
Students with AD/HD typically have a great deal of difficulty achieving success academically and/or socially. Difficulty with organizing work and completing assignments often translates into school marks far lower than would be predicted by the AD/HD student's ability. The student with impulsive tendencies can have further difficulty establishing and maintaining positive relationships with peers and teachers. These interrelated difficulties can cause a spiral effect as the student grows older: difficulty with organization can lead to lower marks; academic frustration and peer relationship problems can contribute to a feeling of rejection which in turn can lead to depression; and depression can impact on all areas of student functioning. When educators, parents and significant others work together with these students this destructive spiral may be counteracted.
This resource guide is intended to assist teachers in planning and providing supports for students displaying the characteristics associated with AD/HD. In some cases, a formal diagnosis has been made or assessment has been requested. In other cases, the student needs support to achieve success even though a diagnosis has not been made.
This guide includes the following sections:
- What is AD/HD?
- Addressing Learning and Behavioural Differences in the Classroom: Some general considerations
- How Can AD/HD Be Effectively Managed?
- Planning for Success at School
- Case Studies of students with AD/HD
- How to access additional information
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