Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can best be explained by highlighting some of the common characteristics of individuals with ADD/ADHD:
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Distractibility |
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Difficulty following directions |
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Difficulty working independently |
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Difficulty focusing and concentrating |
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Difficulty organizing school work and other responsibilities |
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Avoiding activities that require sustained self-application |
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Poor work habits and study skills |
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Inconsistent performance in school work |
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Difficulty "reading" social situations |
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Difficulty with rule-governed situations |
Generally suspected causes of ADD/ADHD include:
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neurological
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fetal alcohol syndrome | ||||||
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genetic | ||||||
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environmental
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associated
with ADD/ADHD
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Impulsivity |
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Impatience |
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Intrusiveness |
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High activity level |
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Aggressiveness |
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Social immaturity |
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Low self-esteem |
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Difficulty handling transitions |
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Easily frustrated |
of Individuals
with ADD/ADHD
| Poor dynamic balance | ||||
| Delayed fine motor development | ||||
| Extraneous movements | ||||
| Perseveres (tends to continue an activity) | ||||
| Arrthymia patterns | ||||
| Poor motor planning | ||||
| Misapplied force | ||||
| Premature, delayed or inappropriate responses | ||||
| Varied performance levels
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| Use strategies to help the learner focus and maintain attention. | ||||
| Follow a routine. | ||||
| Plan smooth transitions. | ||||
| Alert a learner that a transition is about to occur. | ||||
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Develop a behavior management plan which
includes:
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| Use proximity control. | ||||
| Have clear expectations. | ||||
| Post and verbalize expectations often. | ||||
| Create a relaxed environment. | ||||
| Incorporate "down time" into the lesson. | ||||
| Decrease distractions in the learning environment. | ||||
| Reduce clutter. |
Links
Child Development Institute National Attention Deficit Disorder Association ADD Bibliography
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997).