ADHD

 The National Institute of Mental Health defines ADHD as, a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

General Characteristics:

• inattention
• doesn't pay attention to detail
• careless mistakes
• trouble focusing
• appears to not be listening when spoken to
• trouble staying organized
• gets bored before a task is completed
• hyperactivity 
• constantly fidgets and squirms
• moves around constantly 
• often leaves seat in situations where sitting is expected
• talks excessively 
• may have a quick temper 
• impulsivity
• acts without thinking
• blurts out answers
• often interrupts others
• guesses rather than taking time to solve a problem

Strengths & Abilities:

• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Enthusiasm and spontaneity
• Energy and drive 
• Quick thinking

Needs:  (Found in Chapter 6 on page 215 of text)

• Extended time for completion of assignments. 
• Break instructional sequences or academic tasks into smaller segments to help maintain attention. 
• Frequent, yet shorter, study periods.
• Timers for specific tasks to help student focus.
• Read directions to students to help them refocus.
• Use computer word processing programs to assist with writing activities. 
• Pointers and tracking devices to help students track text on a page. 
• Extended time for test taking.

Examples of Assistive Technology:

1. Electronic touch tablet (click here for my blog post)
2. Portable word processor (click here for my blog post)

Resources:

• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
• http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-in-children.htm