Understanding ADHD in terms of its definition, etiology, characteristics, educational concerns, and life after public school.
Reference
Gargiulo, R. M. (2015). Special education in contemporary society: An introduction to exceptionality (5e ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
"A persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes
with functioning or development"
Multiple Symptoms Occur
Before Age 12 in 2+ Settings
CDC: ~9% of School-Age Population
5.4 Million Children
More Prevalent in
Boys than Girls
AL: 14% of Students Have ADHD
History
1902: George Still - Pioneered Field
Werner & Strauss: "Figure-ground"
Study - Distractibility / Hyperactivity
Cruickshank: Attention & Learning Connected
1950s: ADHD Characterized
as "Minimal Brain Injury"
1960s: "Hyperactive Child Syndrome"
1980s: "ADHD" Popularized
Etiology
Neurological Dysfunction
Interference with Executive Functions
Differences in Brain
Chemistry, Anatomy
Deficiency of
Neurotransmitter Dopamine
Result in Issues with Organization,
Attention, Impulsivity, & Activity Levels
Heredity
Barkley: 1 in 3 with ADHD
have relatives with ADHD
Studies Indicate
Possible Genetic Link
Environment
ADHD Myths
Caused by Sugar, Dyes, Food, TV, Lack of Discipline, etc.
Natal Trauma
Maternal Substance Abuse, Exposure
to Lead, Birth Complications, etc.
Medical Examination
Needed for Diagnosis
May Recommend Medication
Stimulants
Behavioral
Characteristics
Influence Over
Executive Functions
Following Directions
Short- and Long-term Memory
Emotions
Evaluate Using Rating Scales
Likert Scales
Student Portraits
Chronic Over Time
Consistent Across Situations
Not Reflective of Age
Vaughn: Comorbidity of Disorders
Behavioral Inhibition Issues
(Barkley; Vaughn et al.)
Blurt Out Responses
Speech Interruption
Distractibility
Friend & Bursuck: Feelings of
Inadequacy, Rejection by Peers
Educational
Considerations
Life After School
Postsecondary Education
Murphy, Barkley, & Bush: Those with ADHD
Less Likely to Graduate from Universities
Gargiulo: Should Self-Advocate
Barkley: 33%+ with ADHD Drop Out of School
Due to Struggles with
Academics, Personal
Relationships
Career
Barkley: Individuals with ADHD More Likely
to Change/Be Terminated from Jobs
Interpersonal Skills a Factor
Students with ADHD have Rights Under
Section 504, American with Disabilities Act
Colleges Must Provide SPED Services, Appropriate Accommodations
Research by Glanzman & Sell; Hammerness
70% of Children with ADHD Have Symptoms in Adolescence
Barkley;NIMH: Affect 50% in Adulthood
NIMH: ADHD Medication Shows
Positive Effects in Adults
Extended-release
Medications Longer Lasting
Time Management,
Organizational Skills
Critical
Personal Experience
Although I had friends and classmates with ADHD, I
was unaware of the complexity of the disorder. It is
fortunate that Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
addresses many areas of concern for students with
ADHD. Due to ADHD's prevalence and my new role
as an educator, I will consciously consider how to
facilitate their success in and beyond school.
Public School
(P-12)
Academic Supports
& Interventions
Learning Styles
Visual
Auditory
Kinesthetic
Tactile
Modify Instruction
Parent Involvement
Increase Active Role, Agency
Services with Counselor, Other Staff
Generally Struggle to Succeed in School
Accommodate
Through
504
Plan
Service Delivery Options
Majority Served in Inclusive
General Education Setting
Co-teaching Possible
IDEA: Not All Qualify
for SPED Services
IDEA: Create IEP
Meet Individual Needs
Teaching Learning Strategies to Students with ADHD
Metacognition
Build Self-Awareness
Promote or Discourage Certain Behaviors
Performance Monitoring
Graphic Oranizers
Track Homework, Content, & Reactions to School Work