# data[].attributes.body
ADHD is the acronym for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; ADHD may also be known as Attention Deficit Disorder.

# data[].attributes.body
When having ADHD you may experience some of these characteristics, they may include, but aren't limited to these characteristics.

Inability to Focus

Impatience

Self-Focused Behavior

Emotional Outbursts

Difficulty Remaining Still

Problems Playing Quietly

Unfinished Tasks

Interruptions

Mistakes

Avoiding Challenging Tasks

Daydreaming

Forgetfulness

# data[].attributes.body
ADHD is diagnosed by healthcare providers using the guidelines given by the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (5th edition) also known as, DSM-5. The patient or client will explain their symptoms to the healthcare provider, and they will use those provided symptoms and the DSM-5 manual to decide if they are diagnosed with ADHD. It is also very typical for the healthcare provider to conduct a detailed assessment that may include a physical examination and a series of interviews.

# data[].attributes.body
Because children with ADHD are entitled to special education services by IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, they typically receive some sort of special education services and accommodations.

A few other services that children with ADHD may be provided with are:

Medicine

Psychosocial Treatment

Parent Behavior Training

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment

Social Skills Training

Neurofeedback

Dietary Supplements

# data[].attributes.body
Many accommodations can be made to help those with ADHD they can include but are not limited to:

Replan Seating Arrangements

Provide Fidget Items

Get Moving

Using a Stopwatch

Create Tape Boundaries

Make Privacy Shields

Allow Flexibility with Work Locations

# data[].attributes.body
Students with ADHD may receive one or several accommodations in the classroom, when it comes to general education or learning content. Those accommodations can include but are not limited to:

Extra Time on Tests

Instruction and Assignments tailored to the Child's IEP

Positive Reinforcement and Feedback

Using Technology to Assist with Tasks

Allowing Breaks or Time to Move Around

Changes to the Environment to Limit Distractions

Extra Help with Staying Organized

# data[].attributes.body
HelpGuide.org is a organization that helps teachers dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the classroom. The tips for teachers can help them overcome common challenges and help the kids with ADHD succeed at school.

# data[].attributes.body
This booklet offers insights on how to both teach and manage students with ADHD.

# data[].attributes.body
The following ADHD teaching strategies will help all students — but especially those with ADD — learn to the best of their ability in any classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parents: Is your child's teacher doing everything possible to support learning? Teachers often dictate the success or failure of a child's education - particularly if that child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD).

Next to parents, teachers are the most influential people in a student's life. The best teacher will develop ADHD strategies to show students that they are capable and worthwhile.

Here are some strategies for teaching children with ADHD that work to establish a supportive, structured classroom that will encourage learning, enforce discipline, and boost self-esteem.

Strategies for Students with ADHD

Assign work that suits the student's skill level. Students with ADHD will avoid classwork that is too difficult or too long.

Offer choices. Children with ADHD who are given choices for completing an activity produce more work, are more compliant, and act less negative. Establish, for instance, a list of 15 activity choices for practicing spelling words like writing words on flash cards, using them in a sentence, or air-writing words.
[Get This Download: How to Teach Children with ADHD - Classroom Challenges & Solutions]

Provide visual reminders. Students with ADHD respond well to visual cues and examples. For instance, demonstrate a skill like essay writing on an overhead projector or on the board. When children get to their independent work, leave key points about a topic visible on the board. Post important concepts the children will use again and again on brightly colored poster board around the room.

Increase active class participation. Group strategies include asking students to write their answers on dry-erase white boards and showing them to the teacher, asking students to answer questions in unison (choral response), having students give a thumbs up or down if the answer to the question is yes or no - a level palm, if they don't know the answer. Paired learning is also effective. Have students work through a problem in a group and discuss for maximized understanding.

Encourage hands-on learning. Create learning opportunities where children experience things first-hand. Have students write and act out a play, record an assignment on videotape or take apart and put together a model of a miniature eyeball when studying the human body.

Establish Rules & Routines for ADHD Students

Post classroom rules for student with and without ADHD. With input from students, establish short, simple classroom rules. State them in positive terms that convey what you want students to do.
For example, instead of saying: "No loud talking when you come into class," say, "When you come into class, check the assignment on the board and start working quietly." Or, "Sit down first and then you may talk quietly with your neighbor until I start teaching."

[Click to Download: 10 Teaching Strategies that Help Students with ADHD]

Establish classroom routines. This will help students with ADHD stay on task. Routines for all students can include: homework always being written on the board, "row captains" checking to see that assignments are written and that completed work is picked up, etc. Students with ADHD can check in with the classroom aide at the end of the day to make sure they understand the homework assignment and what's required of them.

Give appropriate supervision to ADHD students. Children with ADHD require more supervision than their peers because of their delayed maturity, forgetfulness, distractibility, and disorganization. Help these students by pairing them with classmates who can remind them of homework and classwork, using student partners to team up on a project, and involving classroom aides as much as you can during and after class.

Offer Accommodations for ADHD in the Classroom

Some students with ADHD may need school accommodations to address academic challenges. Make sure they get them. Some accommodations can be as easy as monitoring the student's work and developing a plan to help him not fall behind and even accepting the occasional late assignment - this can give the student confidence and get her back on track.

Other common ADHD accommodations include:

Extended time on tests

Shortened assignments

Instruction in note-taking or designating a class notetaker

Segmented assignments for long-term projects (with separate due dates and grades).

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association ( ADDA) makes the following recommendations for accommodations:

Reduce potential distractions. Always seat students who have problems with focus near the source of instruction and/or stand near student when giving instructions in order to help the student by reducing barriers and distractions between him and the lesson. Always seat this student in a low-distraction work area in the classroom.

Use positive peer models. Encourage the student to sit near positive role models to ease the distractions from other students with challenging or diverting behaviors.

Prepare for transitions. Remind the student about what is coming next (next class, recess, time for a different book, etc.). For special events like field trips or other activities, be sure to give plenty of advance notice and reminders. Help the student in preparing for the end of the day and going home, supervise the student's book bag for necessary items needed for homework.

Allow for movement. Allow the student to move around or fidget, preferably by creating reasons for the movement. Provide opportunities for physical action - do an errand, wash the blackboard, get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, etc. If this is not practical, then permit the student to play with small objects kept in their desks that can be manipulated quietly, such as a soft squeeze ball, if it isn't too distracting.

Let the children play. Recess can actually promote focus in children with ADHD so don't use it as a time to make-up missed schoolwork or as punishment as you might for other students.

Focus on the Positive

Establish a positive relationship with students who have ADHD. Greet them by name as they enter the classroom or when calling on them in class. Create a class bulletin board for posting students' academic and extracurricular interests, photographs, artwork, and/or accomplishments.

Provide frequent, positive feedback. Students with ADHD respond best to feedback that is immediate. Use positive praise, such as "You're doing a great job" or "Now you've got it." If a student's answer is incorrect, say, "Let's talk this through" or "Does that sound right to you?"

Ask questions rather than reprimand. If the student misbehaves, in class, ask, "Is that a good choice or a bad choice?" The student will get the message that his behavior is inappropriate.

Partner with Parents

For best results, teachers must partner with the parents to ensure that their child is ready to learn in the classroom. Here are some guidelines to share with the parents of your students with ADHD:

Communicate regularly with the teacher about problems.

See that your child's ADHD medication is working effectively at school and during homework sessions.

Help your child organize papers for evening homework and prepare for the next school day.

Watch your child put completed homework in the proper folder.

Monitor completion of work in the classes that he is in danger of failing.

Save all completed homework until the semester is over.

Talk with the teacher about using a daily or weekly report, if needed.

[Your Free Download: The Teacher's Guide to Better Assignments for Students with ADHD]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Strategies for Students with ADHD: Ideas to Help Every Child Shine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your child's teacher is your partner in a fair and equitable education, but does she have the ADHD tools she needs? The following ADHD teaching strategies will help all students - but especially those with ADD - learn to the best of their ability in any classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
This organization offers tools and tips on how to effectively parent a child with ADHD.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
While ADHD is believed to be hereditary, effectively managing your child's symptoms can affect both the severity of the disorder and development of more serious problems over time. Early intervention holds the key to positive outcomes for your child. The earlier you address your child's problems, the more likely you will be able to prevent school and social failure and associated problems such as underachievement and poor self-esteem that may lead to delinquency or drug and alcohol abuse. Although life with your child may at times seem challenging, as a parent you can help create home and school environments that improve your child's chances for success.

Here are some ways to get started.

Don't waste your limited emotional energy on self-blame. ADHD is a disorder in certain areas of the brain and is inherited in the majority of cases. It is not caused by poor parenting or a chaotic home environment, although the home environment can make the symptoms of ADHD better or worse.

Learn all you can about ADHD. While a great deal of information on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is available, not all of it is accurate or based on scientific evidence. It is up to you to be a good consumer and learn to distinguish the accurate information from the inaccurate. How can you sort out what will be useful and what will not? In general, it is good to be wary about ads claiming to cure ADHD. Currently, there is no cure for ADHD, but you can take positive steps to decrease its impact. In addition, pay attention to the source of the information. If you're using the Internet, stick with reputable websites such as government (for example CDC), nonprofit (such as CHADD) or university resources (those that end in .edu).

Make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment. To complete the diagnostic process, make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment that includes medical, educational and psychological evaluations (involving input from your child's teacher) and that other disorders that either mimic or commonly occur with ADHD have been considered and ruled out.
How to help your child succeed at school

Become an effective case manager. Keep a record of all information about your child. This includes copies of all report cards, teacher notes, disciplinary reports, evaluations and documents from any meetings concerning your child. You might also include information about ADHD, a record of your child's prior treatments and placements and contact information for the professionals who have worked with your child.

Form a team that understands ADHD and be the team captain. Meetings at your child's school should be attended by the principal's designee as well as a special educator and a classroom teacher that knows your child. You, however, have the right to request input at these meetings from others that understand ADHD or your child's special needs. These include your child's physician, the school psychologist, and the nurse or guidance counselor from your child's school. If you have consulted other professionals, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, educational advocate or behavior management specialist, the useful information they have provided should also be made available at these meetings. A thorough understanding of your child's strengths and weaknesses and how ADHD affects him or her will help you and members of the team go on to develop an appropriate and effective program that takes into account his or her ADHD.

Learn all you can about ADHD and your child's educational rights. The more knowledge you have about your child's rights under the two education laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the better to maximize his or her success. Each state has a parent technical assistance center that can help you learn more about your child's rights (visit http://www.parentcenterhub.org/ptacs/ to find the center in your state).

Become your child's best advocate. You need to represent and protect your child's best interest in school situations, both academic and behavioral. Become an active part of the team that determines what services and placements your child receives in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan. See Education for Individuals with ADHD for more information.

Communicate regularly. Adopt a collaborative attitude when working with your child's team-after all, everyone has the same goal, to see your child succeed! Let your child's teachers know if there are some major changes going on in your family since your child's behavior can be affected. Invite the teachers to contact you with any issues or concerns before they become a problem. Having open lines of communication between you and the school will help your child.

How to make life at home easier

Join a support group. Parents will find additional information, as well as support, by attending local CHADD meetings where available. You can find the nearest chapter to your home using the chapter locator.

Seek professional help. Ask for help from mental health professionals, particularly if you are feeling depressed, frustrated or exhausted. Helping yourself feel less stressed will benefit your child as well.

Work together. It is important that all of the adults that care for your child (parents, grandparents, relatives and babysitters) agree on how to handle your child's problem behaviors. Working with a professional, if needed, can help you better understand how to work together to support your child.

Learn the tools of successful behavior management. Behavioral techniques have been widely established as a key component of treatment for children with ADHD. Parent training will teach you strategies to change behaviors and improve your relationship with your child. CHADD offers the Parent to Parent Program, which provides basic education on many facets of ADHD. You can also identify parent training programs in your community through your local parent information and resource center (www.parentcenterhub.org/ptacs/).

Find out if you have ADHD. Since ADHD is often inherited, many parents of children with ADHD discover that they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed. Parents with ADHD may need the same types of evaluation and treatment that they seek for their children in order to function at their best. ADHD in the parent may make the home more chaotic and affect a parent's ability to be proactive rather than reactive.

Parent training will help you learn to:

Provide clear, consistent expectations, directions and limits. Children with ADHD need to know exactly what others expect from them. They do not perform well in ambiguous situations that don't specify exactly what is expected and that require them to "read between the lines." Working with a professional can help narrow the focus to a few specific behaviors, help you set limits and consistently follow through with consequences.

Set up an effective discipline system. Parents should learn proactive-not reactive-discipline methods that teach and reward appropriate behavior and respond to misbehavior with alternatives such as time outs or loss of privileges. Communicate with the other people who care for your child and work to be as consistent with behavioral techniques across settings and caregivers as possible.

Help your child learn from his or her mistakes. At times, negative consequences will arise naturally out of a child's behavior. However, children with ADHD have difficulty making the connection between their behaviors and these consequences. Parents can help their child with ADHD make these connections and learn from his/her mistakes.

How to boost your child's confidence

Set aside a daily special time for you and your child. Constant negative feedback can erode a child's self-esteem. A special time, whether it's an outing, playing games or just time spent with your child in positive interaction, can help fortify your child against assaults to self-worth.

Notice your child's successes, no matter how small. Make an effort to notice when your child is paying attention well or doing what s/he is supposed to be doing. Tell your child exactly what she/he did well. This can improve your child's self-esteem and teach him/her to notice gradual improvements, rather than being too hard on him/herself.

Tell your child that you love and support him/her unconditionally. There will be days when you may not believe this yourself. Those will be the days when it is even more important that you acknowledge the difficulties your child constantly faces and express your love. Let your child know that you will get through both the smooth and rough times together.

Assist your child with social skills. Children with ADHD may be rejected by peers because of hyperactive, impulsive or aggressive behaviors. Parent training can help you learn how to assist your child in making friends and learning to work cooperatively with others.

Identify your child's strengths. Many children with ADHD have strengths in certain areas such as art, athletics, computers or mechanical ability. Build upon these strengths, so that your child will have a sense of pride and accomplishment. Make sure that your child has the opportunity to be successful while pursuing these activities and that his strengths are not undermined by untreated ADHD. Also, avoid, as much as possible, targeting these activities as contingencies for good behavior or withholding them, as a form of punishment, when your child misbehaves.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While ADHD is believed to be hereditary, effectively managing your child's symptoms can affect both the severity of the disorder and development of more serious problems over time. Early intervention holds the key to positive outcomes for your child. The earlier you address your child's problems, the more likely you will be able to prevent...

# data[].attributes.body
KidsHealth is an organization that discusses how ADHD effects children so that parents can parent them accordingly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Listen

Play Stop Volume mp3 Settings Close Player

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size

How ADHD Affects Kids

ADHD causes kids to be more inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive than is normal for their age. ADHD makes it harder for kids to develop the skills that control attention, behavior, emotions, and activity. As a result, they often act in ways that are hard for parents manage.

For example, because they are inattentive, kids with ADHD may:

seem distracted

seem not to listen

have trouble paying attention

not follow directions well

need many reminders to do things

show poor effort in schoolwork

have trouble getting organized

Because they are hyperactive, kids with ADHD may:

climb, jump, or roughhouse when it's time to play quietly

fidget and seem unable to sit still

rush instead of take their time

make careless mistakes

be on the go (constantly in motion)

Because they are impulsive, kids with ADHD may:

interrupt a lot

blurt out

do things without thinking

do things they shouldn't, even though they know better

have trouble waiting, taking turns, or sharing

have emotional outbursts, lose their temper, or lack self-control

At first, parents might not realize that these behaviors are part of ADHD. It may seem like a child is just misbehaving. ADHD can leave parents feeling stressed, frustrated, or disrespected.

Parents may feel embarrassed about what others think of their child's behavior. They may wonder if they did something to cause it. But for kids with ADHD, the skills that control attention, behavior, and activity don't come naturally.

When parents learn about ADHD and which parenting approaches work best, they can help kids improve and do well.

How Parents Can Help?

Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better - or worse.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD:

Be involved. Learn all you can about ADHD. Follow the treatment your child's health care provider recommends. Go to all recommended therapy visits. If your child takes ADHD medicines, give them at the recommended time. Don't change the dose without checking with your doctor. Keep your child's medicines in a safe place where others can't get to them.

Know how ADHD affects your child. Every child is different. Identify the problems your child has because of ADHD. Some kids need to get better at paying attention and listening. Others need to get better at slowing down. Ask your child's therapist for tips and ways you can help your child practice and improve.

Focus on teaching your child one thing at a time. Don't try to work on everything at once. Start small. Pick one thing to focus on. Praise your child's effort.

Work with your child's school. Talk with your child's teacher to find out if your child should have an IEP or 504 plan. Meet often with teachers to find out how your child is doing. Work with the teacher to help your child do well.

Connect with others for support and awareness. Join a support organization for ADHD like CHADD to get updates on treatment and info, etc.

Find out if you have ADHD. ADHD often runs in families. Parents (or other relatives) of kids with ADHD might not know they have it too. When parents with ADHD get diagnosed and treated, it helps them be at their best as parents.

Discipline with purpose and warmth. Learn what discipline approaches are best for a child with ADHD and which can make ADHD worse. Get coaching from your child's therapist on ways to respond to your child's behaviors. Kids with ADHD might be sensitive to criticism. Correcting their behavior is best done in a way that's encouraging and supportive rather than punishing.

Set clear expectations. Before you go somewhere, talk with your child to explain how you want them to behave. Focus more energy on teaching your child what to do, rather than reacting to what not to do.

Talk about it. Don't shy away from talking with your child about ADHD. Help kids understand that having ADHD is not their fault, and that they can learn ways to improve the problems it causes.

Spend special time together every day. Make time to talk and enjoy relaxing, fun activities with your child - even if it's just for a few minutes. Give your child your full attention. Compliment positive behaviors. Don't over-praise, but do comment when your child does something good. For example, when your child waits their turn, say, "You're taking turns so nicely."

Your relationship with your child matters most. Kids with ADHD often feel they're letting others down, doing things wrong, or not being "good." Protect your child's self-esteem by being patient, understanding, and accepting. Let your child know you believe in them and see all the good things about them. Build resilience by keeping your relationship with your child positive and loving.

More on this topic
For Parents

More on this topic
For Kids

More on this topic
For Teens

View more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parenting a Child With ADHD (for Parents)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help kids improve and do well.

# data[].attributes.body
MyBrainDr. discusses how ADHD affects the brains and neurons so that children can be addressed accordingly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Typical brainwave imbalances seen with ADHD and ADD

Patients with ADHD and ADD generate an abundance of low-frequency delta or theta brain waves and a shortage of high-frequency beta brain waves.

THETA BRAINWAVES when at a high proportion are associated with incomplete work, disorganization, and being easily distracted.

BETA BRAINWAVES are associated with efficient information processing and problem-solving.

Neurofeedback therapy increases the brain's predisposition for beta brain waves and aims to diminish the frequency of delta and theta waves.

How neurofeedback treats ADHD and ADD

First, a baseline measurement of neural activity is obtained. This is done with a qEEG - also known as a brain map. For example, an qEEG may show that a person with ADHD has an excess of slow delta or theta waves in the frontal lobes of the brain, indicating decreased activity in these areas. First used in 1924, an electroencephalogram is a safe and painless way to measure brainwave output. The actual brain mapping takes about 15-minutes.

Based on these results, Dr. Baric will formulate a personalized neurofeedback training protocol for you. Over time, these neurofeedback training sessions help your brain create long-term, healthier neural connections. The result - is an end to ADD/ADHD symptoms!

What does a typical training session look like?

A normal neurofeedback training session is 30 minutes long and is both fun and relaxing. All you have to do is sit down, relax, and watch a show of your own choosing. During the training session, two small sensors are lightly placed on your scalp. These sensors monitor brainwave output in real-time, allowing for continuous feedback. For example, if you have hyperactive or anxious thoughts due to too many Beta brainwaves or lose focus due to an imbalance of Alpha waves - the show goes dim. These feedback signals help the brain learn to stay more balanced by building new neural pathways.

Basically, your brain is learning to control its own brainwave balance using these repeated feedback signals. It`s an all-natural approach, and the new pathways created are permanent, resulting in long-term improvements in all areas of cognitive activity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD/ADD in Raleigh Eliminate ADHD and ADD symptoms with neurofeedback People with ADHD and ADD can struggle to manage emotions, can be easily distracted, and find it difficult to stay focused. The symptoms, which affect both children and adults, are related

# data[].attributes.body
ADHD neurofeedback. MyBrainDR. (2024). https://mybraindr.com/adhd-and-add-neurofeedback/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAi6uvBhADEiwAWiyRdoikJ0gRlFyfH6tRPJdzbEo_3cqP3CYqDQotEs2opsFZV8VLekGR9RoCOB0QAvD_BwE

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023a). ADHD in the classroom. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20concerned%20about,care%20provider%2C%20like%20a%20pediatrician.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). National treatment profile: What types of treatment do children with ADHD receive? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/kf-national-treatment-profile-adhd-nsdata.html

CHADD. (2023). Parenting a child with ADHD. CHADD. https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/

Christiansen, S. (2023). What is ADHD?. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-included-definition-symptoms-traits-causes-treatment-5084784

Editors, Add., & Dendy, C. (2023). Teaching strategies for students with ADHD: Ideas to help every child shine. ADDitude.org. https://www.additudemag.com/teaching-strategies-for-students-with-adhd/

Hasan, S. (Ed.). (2022). Parenting a child with ADHD (for parents) | nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parenting-kid-adhd.html

NHS. (2021). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/diagnosis/#:~:text=There’s%20no%20simple%20test%20to,with%20you%20or%20your%20child

Shire Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2018). Teaching and managing students with ADHD. Adhdfoundation.org.uk. https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Teaching-and-Managing-Students-with-ADHD.pdf

Smith, M. (2024). Teaching students with ADHD. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/teaching-students-with-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm

12 signs that your child might have ADHD: Family psychiatry of NJ. Family Psychiatry & Therapy. (2018). https://familypsychnj.com/2018/04/12-signs-child-might-adhd/

7 simple accommodations for kids with ADHD. Therapy Source. (2022). https://txsource.com/2016/01/06/7-easy-accommodations-for-students-with-adhd/