Supporting Students with ADHD

Supporting Students with ADHD A Teacher s Resource Guide By Diana Jurist Assistive Technology Graduate Student barisong@hotmail.com djurist@gmu.edu

What is ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences. These consequences may include school failure, depression, conduct disorder, failed relationships, and substance abuse. Early identification and treatment are extremely important.- CHADD.org Supporting the educational needs of the students with ADHD. Students with ADHD may have very complex needs requiring supports in emotional, academic and social areas. Students with ADHD usually very intelligent, and often have high IQ s. Unfortunately,due to this fact, students are often labeled, Lazy, disorganized, and disruptive. Additionally they are usually spoken of in terms of not working to his or her potential. Students with ADHD will most likely have Executive Function Disorder (EFD) and this is often the source of the overall deficits seen in these students.executive functioning is a term psychologists use to describe the many tasks our brains perform that are necessary to think, act, and solve problems. Executive functioning includes tasks that help us learn new information, remember and retrieve information we've learned in the past, and use this information to solve problems of everyday lifehttp://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/eh/a/executive_funct.htm How Does Executive Function Disorder Affect Learning? Students with EFD will often exhibit deficits in the following areas: difficulty planning and completing projects; problems understanding how long a project will take to complete; struggling with telling a story in the right sequence with important details and minimal irrelevant details; trouble communicating details in an organized, sequential manner; problems initiating activities or tasks, or generating ideas independently; and difficulty retaining information while doing something with it- such as remembering a phone number while dialing. Due to the fact that EFD s effects a students ability to learn, and often imitates what might be seen in a student with specific Learning disabilities (SLD), commonly used supports for students with SLD s are both appropriate, and helpful. Some students will have specific learning disabilities, and some may not. The likelihood of a SLD in a child with ADHD is about equal to the broad populations. Lastly, it is important to remember that students with ADHD will commonly need additional strategies/support encompassing the areas of, organizational skills, anxiety, memory and attention.

This brochure offers a comprehensive list of resources found online, for Educators (including AT support and the IEP/504 plan team). Please use this brochure as a tool for yourself, as well as parents requiring more information about supporting the learning of student diagnosed with ADHD. IT IS ALL IN HERE! NOTE: Child and Adult related content is listed below, as many children will continue to struggle with ADHD into adulthood. Professional Organizations CHADD Live Home Page CHADD isa national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c) (3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. http://www.abct.org/home/ The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is an interdisciplinary organization committed to the advancement of a scientific approach to the understanding and amelioration of problems of the human condition. These aims are achieved through the investigation and application of behavioral, cognitive, and other evidence-based principles to assessment, prevention, and treatment. http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/related-issues/adhd NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning, and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. http://www.apsard.org/apsard/apsard/home/apsard The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) is an international organization consisting of a broad spectrum of allied mental health experts working to improve the quality of care for patients with ADHD through the exchange of research, best practices and evidence-based insights. ADHD is one of the only mental health disorders that starts in childhood. Given that childhood symptoms persist in a majority of adolescents and adults, it is critical that healthcare professionals are properly educated and trained to ensure effective continuity of patient care. APSARD s goal is to work with ADHD patient organizations to heighten the public s understanding of ADHD to reduce stigma and further promote effective dialogue between healthcare professionals and patients.

Coaching for individuals with ADHD ADHD Coaches Organization The ACO is the professional membership organization for ADHD coaches. We are committed to serving as a resource for ADHD coaches, for our members and for the public.every ADHD coach has some link to the condition. It has touched them personally or perhaps through a family member or friend. The passion that springs from that well of connection feeds our hunger for knowledge and skills that help us be better coaches for our clients who have ADHD. Professional Association of ADHD Coaches PAAC is the global certifying and accrediting organization for the advancement of ADHD coaches and ADHD coaching.the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches' mission is to establish high standards of excellence in our ADHD certification and accreditation programs. We advocate for coaches and the profession of ADHD coaching, for the benefit of all individuals in need. The Edge Foundation The Edge Foundation believes that professional coaching is a critical and highly effective intervention, either alone, or as a supplement to a medication plan prescribed by a qualified clinician, in the nontraditional learner s ability to realize his or her potential. Coaching can give a young person the edge necessary to achieve his or her full potential in academic and other life pursuits.coaching has been provento be an effective means for dealing with some of the symptoms of ADHD and can give a young person the edge necessary to achieve his or her full potential in academic and other life pursuits. Attention Deficit Disorder Association The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is the world s leading adult ADHD organization. Our mission is to provide information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) lead better lives. We are an international non-profit organization, founded twenty years ago by adult ADHD support group leaders to share information, resources and provide support for one another. In the 20 years since its inception, ADDA has grown to become the source for information and resources exclusively for and about the adult ADHD community. Our goal is to generate hope, awareness, empowerment and connections worldwide in the field of AD/HD. ADDA brings together scientific perspectives and the human experience. The information and resources provided to individuals and families affected by AD/HD and professionals who serve them focuses on the diagnosis, treatments, strategies and techniques for helping adults with AD/HD lead better lives. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents, and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work, and life.

Educational Evaluation services in Maryland While many schools are able to identify a student with ADHD, often times the schools are limited in their time and ability to fully evaluate the student. Once a student is identified, psychiatric/medical options, holistic options and educational services are available to further assist the student, and the students support team (educators and families). While medical and holistic options are certainly helpful for many students, formal educational evaluationsare often chosen as well. These evaluations help parents and educators identify and understand specific strengths and weakness of students beyond just the psychological and physiological changes medical/holistic options affect. Mindwell-Psycology,Testing and Therapy Offers comprehensive testing and reporting, and therapy services. Additionally, they offer in home behavior and family support program- Specific to Bethesda Office Neuro-behavioral AssociatesNeuroBehavioral Associates is a specialty practice serving children, adolescents and adults with known or suspected attention, learning, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Our practice provides comprehensive neuropsychological consultation and assessment, referral services, and educational consultation. The Treatment and Learning Centers - Educational Testing and Tutoring A local, non-profit organization in Rockville, MD founded in 1950. Testing, Diagnostic evaluations, tutoring and organizational coachingare provided on an individual basis to identify the learning differences and needs of students who may have learning disabilities, or who are struggling within the academic environment. Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland (former Chesapeake Psychological Services)* Offers testing for LD & ADHD for college students, conducts educational and psychological evaluations for all ages as well as Psychotherapy, professional organizing, and ADD/ADHD coaching. Diagnostic Testing Consultants, LLC* Provides comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations for students who may be experiencing difficulties with learning and/or paying attention.

Teacher (and parent)resources- Supporting students with Department of Student Support Services Writing Success for the College ADHD Student: Student Support ADHD Social Skills - Improve Your Child's Social Skills - ADHD Support ADDitudemagazineADHD- Help guides ADD / ADHD and School: Helping Children with ADHD Succeed at School ADD in School: School Classroom Interventions ADHD Students ADD/ADHD Articles &Printables for K-12 Teachers - TeacherVision.com ADHD -Teacher Discussion Guide ADHDSupport.com - ADHD Support A-D-H-D.info» Teacher Support http://www.ldonline.org ADHD at School: Resources for Teachers of ADD Children ADDitude... Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - The Teacher's Desk ADHD teacher resources - Search Results at One Place for Special Needs Teacher Support : Teachers At Risk Including Learners with ADHD in the Classroom TEACHER AND COUNSELOR COLLABORATION TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPOMENT OF... School Psychology Review Teacher Knowledge of ADHD Suggested Classroom Interventions For Children With ADD & Learning... ADHD amongst school children, Teaching children with adhd, ADHD... Learning support for students with ADHD ADHD Student Help For The Attention Deficit Disorder And Add Adhd... ADD in School: School Classroom Interventions ADHD Students What is ADHD? - Student Support Services at Belmont Help for ADHD Children. Ways to Help an ADHD Child ADD/ADHD student support training coming to Shelbyville Teaching Tips: ADD / ADHD ADDvance - Assessing College Support Services for Students with... Succeeding in College (WWK13) Need help with super ADHD student! - A to Z Teacher Stuff Forums College Issues- CHADD Quality ADHD/ADD information provided by... Checklist for Supporting LD and ADHD Students ADHD Students: How Teachers and Parents Can Help Students with ADD...