ADHD can have a huge impact on a child’s learning causing educational, social, emotional and psychological problems which are exacerbated when other disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder also exist. A high percentage of children with ADHD are pupils who are underachieving because of this disability. In the UK there is at least one child in each class that has ADHD.
ADHD in children causes numerous problems which include lack of concentration, failure to consider actions, low self esteem, depression, poor team work, organisational skills, difficulty getting on with peers.
There are many challenges that children with ADHD face with regard to receiving additional support, mostly due to lack of funding. Parents have to be an advocate for their children as help and support is not always readily accessible. It can help to understand what should be happening in the classroom and at policy level within your child’s school.
Positive Relationships – Teachers should avoid focusing on failure and give as much praise as possible. They should have an understanding of ADHD in children and how it affects learning. Learning about personal family and social factors that may influence the child’s behaviour is also helpful. Your child’s teacher should give frequent and immediate feedback and avoid embarrassing the child. Many children with ADHD have poor motivation therefore teachers need to work on this with the pupil.
Environmental Setting – This should be a safe, clean, organised and structured classroom. Children with ADHD are easily distracted therefore it is imperative to ensure that they are seated in the classroom near the front of the class and at a place which is free from distraction, for example, sitting near the window or door would not be helpful.
Behavioural strategies – Schools should have a behavioural policy in place so that the pupils and their parents know what is expected of them (ask about this). They should work in partnership with parents and form a home to school communication (such as a school/home diary) to keep parents informed of their child’s progress at school. This will help highlight any problems before they become major concerns.
Clear, concise rules should be in place so that a child can see them, and children need to be shown that every action has a consequence. Because children with ADHD are easily distracted, where possible, lessons should include some fun elements to gain the child’s attention. It may help to give the child a responsibility, remembering to break tasks down into small stages and to repeat instructions slowly.
Finally, periods of transitions, say assemblies or movement to different classrooms, should be monitored and supervised closely. It can also be helpful to have a teaching/classroom assistant on hand to support a child with ADHD.
Children with ADHD need positive behaviour intervention strategies as well as educational, psychological and/or medical interventions. These may include:
ADHD in children cannot be cured but it can be effectively controlled with the correct treatment, intervention and strategies. If you feel you need support in managing your child’s condition the list below should point you in the right direction. Remember, early intervention is definitely the best policy.
ADDISS - (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
Tel: 020 8952 2800, web: addiss.co.uk
IPSEA - (Independent Panel for Special Education Advice)
Tel: 0800 0184 016, web: ipsea.org.uk
ACE - (The Advisory Centre for Education)
Tel: 0808 800 5793, web: ace-ed.org.uk
Shivon Genus is a Parent and Young Person Facilitator for families managing ADHD.
