Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
IDEA Definition:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) is a chronic condition that includes
some combination of problems, such as:
difficulty sustaining attention,
hyperactivity
distractibility
impulsive behavior
ADHD can also be found in IDEA under OHI:
having limited strength, vitality, or
alertness, including a heightened
alertness to environmental stimuli,
that results in limited alertness with
respect to the educational
environment
Common Characteristics:
Academic
poor organizational skills
physical/visual disorganization
difficulty sustaining attention OR
easily distracted
impulsive
poor school performance missing
assignments
academic deficits
low self-esteem
Social / Behavioral
social skill deficits (etiquette,
sharing, conversation, etc)
miss social cues (including teacher
interactions)
forgetful (may be read as selfish)
interrupt conversations to change
subject
troubled relationships
Physical
active in constant motion - may
seem to glide over things
lack sense of personal space / body
awareness / understand others
space
chronic combination of problems
sleep difficulty
 Educational Approaches:
Build a Relationship show student(s) you
care

Structured Instructional and Transition Times

(reduced down time)

Differentiate Instruction

Vary instruction

Provide/ Allow for Movement

Use Choice Boards

Model skills using Think Aloud

Effective Instructional Social Skills Instruction

Strategies: Behavior Specific Praise

Provide jobs that allow Chunk Assignments (break into smaller parts)
movement Directions should be clear & concise
Response Cards & Choral
Responding

Movement

Drama

Journaling

Foldables

Schedule short breaks

Chunk work

Choice

Graphic Organizers

Common Accommodations: preferred seating (away from distractions AND

visual timer for work completion to allow movement when needed)
reminders written, verbal, and unobtrusive redirection as needed
gestures/visuals quiet work area
chunk assignments assignment choices when possible
mini-breaks hands on learning
movement organizational checklists