Attention Disorders By Donna Walker Tileston, Ed.D.
In This Session... The Characteristics of ADD and ADHD Diagnosis and Research Classroom Accommodations
Paying Attention Involves three neural networks Alerting helps the brain suppress background stimuli and what is not important Orienting mobilizes resources to process the input and inhibit all other input Executive control links the limbic centers with the rational areas of the cerebrum so that we react to the stimuli
When there is a problem Loss of attention Hyperactivity impulsivity
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) A syndrome that interferes with an individual s ability to focus (inattention), regulate activity level (hyperactivity) and inhibit behavior (impulsivity). Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity
Inattention 1. Does not attend to details 2. Has difficulty sustaining attention 3. Does not seem to listen 4. Fails to finish work 5. Has difficulty organizing tasks 6. Avoids sustained effort 7. Loses things 8. Is distracted by extraneous stimuli 9. Is forgetful
Hyperactivity 1. Talks incessantly 2. Leaves seat in classroom 3. May dash around or climb 4. Difficulty playing quietly 5. Fidgets with hands or feet 6. Motor excess
Impulsivity 1. Blurts out answers 2. Has difficulty waiting for turn 3. Interrupts or intrudes
Diagnosis No test for ADHD Diagnosed from a physical exam, a variety of psychological tests, and the observable behaviors. Behaviors compared to symptoms in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 6 or more of the symptoms for inattention or for hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months, appear before age 7 and be evident in at least two of the child s environments.
Research 4.1 percent in ages 9-17 for a period of 6 months or more 2 to 3 times more boys than girls Cause is unknown May be genetic May be chemical May be environmental
ADD Defined Differences in ADD and ADHD
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement Inconsistent rules
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement Inconsistent rules Sit and get is the norm
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement Inconsistent rules Sit and get is the norm Environment of the room
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement Inconsistent rules Sit and get is the norm Environment of the room Climate is tense
ADHD Like Behavior Covering curriculum rather than true learning Main instructional approach is lecture Room arrangement Inconsistent rules Sit and get is the norm Environment of the room Climate is tense Bored
Strategies for the Classroom Provide a structured and nurturing environment
Classroom Strategies Modify the teaching strategies 87% are visual Change strategies every 15 minutes Provide information in manageable chunks Use high and low interest Challenge, not frustration
Visuals Principle (What is it) Example (How) Notes
Visuals for Understanding Capitals for proper nouns Noun Can be subject, direct or indirect object, predicate nominative, object of a preposition Person, place thing
Getting Student Attention Personally meaningful Makes sense Tap into prior knowledge Make learning interesting and fun Provide choices Climate
Getting Students to Follow Set goals Through Refer to them often Hold kids accountable Specifically teach the rules
Handling Excessive Activity Auditory signals Visual signals Use color Eye contact Props Tap into interests
Using Signals
Try This Channel the activity into acceptable Activity as a reward Make activity a part of the learning Use pictures, manipulatives and high interest materials Talk less Vary the activities
Handling Inability to Wait Guide students on how to wait Underlining during wait time Tell the students up front what is required EASY HARD MODERATE
Handling Inability to Stay on Task Put tasks into chunks Provide choices Give choices Provide specific directions Provide a rubric Use novelty, fun
Handling Unfinished Tasks Help students to organize Re-consider the task Provide choices
Handling Late Work Use organizers Provide written assignments Establish routines Teach students to self-talk
In This Session ADD ADHD How the education community may cause inattentive behavior How to help students with attention disorders