Working with Individuals with ADHD Illinois Service Resource

Working with Individuals with AD/HD Illinois Service Resource Center

Legal Basis For Training • P. A. 92 -0663 Legislation passed in 2002 • At least once every two years • Common Core Standards for Special Education

DSM IV Criteria • • AD/HD Hyperactive-Impulsive AD/HD Inattentive AD/HD Combined AD/HD NOS

Hyperactivity • • • Fidgets Difficulty controlling body movements Quick to become aroused Frequently break things Girls: – Hyper-talkative – Hyper-social

Impulsivity • • • Can’t delay gratification Shouting out/Interrupting Impatient Bossy Aggressive Reckless

Inattentiveness • • • Focused Attention Sustained Attention Easily Distracted Unmotivated Executive Functions – Organizational Skills – Lack of follow-through • Cue-less

ADHD Is a Difficulty With Selfcontrol • Self-Regulation affects the ability to: – inhibit – delay – separate thought from feeling – consider an experience and change response – choose a response and act toward a goal – track cues

Poor Self-Regulation • • impulsive behavior unpredictable behavior inconsistent behavior illusion of competence

Language Impairment • Recent research suggests that we develop self-control through language • Study by Michel found that kids with language impairment have a higher rate of ADHD • Lack of internal language • Need modeling and practice

Programming vs. Punishment • • Rewards & punishment approach Negative interactions Satiate more quickly Provide accommodation for the disability -not punishment for its symptoms

Accommodations • Brevity • Variety • Structure

Accommodations - Hyperactivity • • • Active responses Controlled physical activity Hold something Stand in back of room Non-stressful environment Change expectations

Impulsivity • • • Keep the rules in view Reward waiting behavior Social skills training and practice Use tables instead of desks Change expectations

Inattentiveness • • • Shorter tasks Alternate preferred/non-preferred Offer physical activity Encourage notetaking Global information Summarize first, then details

Executive Functions • Teach organizational skills – color code materials – lists – assignment books – number everything – use clues – routines – practice planning • Change expectations

Medical Supports • Your responsibilities • Your limitations

Stimulants • Methylphenidate – Ritalin (SR, LA) – Concerta • Dexedrine • Adderall • Cylert

Stimulant Side Effects • • • Loss of appetite, weight loss Difficulty falling asleep Dizziness Rebound Irritability Sadness, moodiness, agitation

Other Medications • Clonidine • Tenex • Wellbutrin

5 Keys to Successful Management of AD/HD • • • Make tasks interesting Make payoffs valuable Adjust expectations for change Allow more trials to mastery Allow more time for change

The ISRC Library includes books and videos about AD/HD. For more information visit www. isrc. us