ADHD Seminar Welcomes You

This is an interactive seminar which entails information about

To begin your journey, please click on the link below to view an instructional video on ADHD

What is ADHD?

Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) originated in the nineteenth century when in 1902 Dr. George F. Still reported on children whom he referred to as having “Defective Moral Control.” In the 1930s and 1940s Heinz Werner and Alfred Strauss reported on children with mental retardation (intellectual disabilities) who were assumed to be brain injured, referred to as having a “Strauss Syndrome.” This definition was extended in the 1950s by William Cruickshank to children with normal intelligence. In the late 1950s and 1060s the term was redefined and minimal brain injury was used to refer to children who were of normal intelligence but who were inattentive, impulsive, and/or hyperactive. In the 1970s the term Hyperactive Child Syndrome became popular.

Today most professionals rely on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which uses ADHD as the general term and subdivides individual into

1. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type;
2. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type;
3. ADHD, Combined Type

Prevalence of ADHD

Estimates are that 3 to 7 percent of the school age population has ADHD. Boys with ADHD out number girls, most likely owing to biological differences and perhaps some referral bias.

Methods of Assessment

Professional usually use four methods of assessments;

1. A medical examination.
2. A clinical interview.
3. Teacher and parenting rating scales.
4. Behavioral observations.

NB. Behavioral observations can be done in the classrooms and/or in the clinician’s office.

Causes

According to Hallahan, Kauffman and Pullen (2009) “Neuroimaging studies have identified five areas of the brain that might be affected in people with ADHD: The Prefrontal lobes, the frontal lobes, the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, and the corpus callosum.” (p.257) The prefrontal lobes and the frontal lobes are in charge for the ability to control one’s behavior. The basal ganglia and cerebellum are concerned with the coordination and control of motor skills. The corpus callosum connects the left and right hemisphere of the brain which is a pathway for the nerve signals. An imbalance in the neurotransmitters; dopamine and norepinephrine can cause ADHD. Family studies have shown that heredity may also be a significant cause of ADHD as well as exposure to toxins such as lead, abuse of alcohol and tobacco, low birth weight and other complications at birth.

Educational Considerations for learners with ADHD

Good educational programming for students with ADHD involves a high degree of classroom structure and teacher directed activities. It also involves functional assessment and contingency – based self management. According to Hallahan, Kauffman and Pullen (2009), functional behaviour assessment involves determining the consequences, antecedants and setting events that maintain inappropriate behaviour. Such approaches might also include self-montoring or self- management programs wherein students record their own behaviour.

Assessment of Students with ADHD

• Curriculum-based measurement can be used to assess progress in academics and attention and behaviour.
• Momentary time-sampling is particularly useful for assessing behavioural progress.
• Testing accommodation often include small-group or individual administration in a quiet location extended time, and frequent breaks.

Discussion Questions

• What are the historical origins of ADHD?
• What is the current definition of ADHD?
• What is the prevalence of ADHD?
• What methods of assessment are to identify individuals with ADHD?
• What causes ADHD?
• What are some educational considerations for learners with ADHD?
• How do professionals assess students with ADHD’s academic, attention, and behavioural progress?

Technology and the Special Needs Learner : ADHD

This power point gives you a brief definition of ADHD and goes on to explore technologies that can assist the ADHD learner. At the end of this power point there will be a short assessment based on the information presented. Click on the link below.

ADHD

Do enjoy this presentation. Good luck in you assessment!