Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior, and pay attention. These difficulties usually begin before the person is 7 years old. However, these behaviors may not be noticed until the child is older. Doctors do not know just what causes ADD. However, researchers who study the brain are coming closer to understanding what may cause ADD. They believe that some people with ADD do not have enough of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in their brain. These chemicals help the brain control behavior. Parents and teachers do not cause ADD. Still, there are many things that both parents and teachers can do to help a child with ADD.
Indicators:
problems with paying attention,
being very active (called hyperactivity), and
acting before thinking (called impulsivity).
do not pay close attention to details.
can’t stay focused on play or school work.
don’t follow through on instructions or finish school work or chores.
can’t seem to organize tasks and activities.
get distracted easily.
lose things such as toys, school work, and books.
Accommdations:
ask for parental help in encouraging organization,
provide organization rules
encourage student to have notebook with dividers and folders for work
provide student with homework assignment book
supervise writing down of homework assignments
send daily/weekly progress reports home
regularly check desk and notebook for neatness, encourage neatness rather than penalize sloppiness
allow student to have extra set of books at home
give assignments one at a time
assist student in setting short term goals
do not penalize for poor handwriting if visual-motor defects are present
encourage learning of keyboarding skills
allow student to tape record assignments or homework