“The Body Affects the Brain as Much as the Brain Affects the Body.” Many students who have Attention deficit disorder/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) are easily distracted, get angry quickly, experience mood swings and cannot focus and concentrate long enough to finish their work at school or at home.
Inattention in students with ADD/ADHD will result in the following behaviors:
- Has difficulty listening to lectures, instructions, presentations.
- Misplaces tools (pencil, eraser, scribbler, books, lunch box).
- Seems disorganized and always rushing, moving.
- Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead.
- Forgets things, neglects to write notes, lists, schedules.
- Is easily distracted by classmates, outside noises, other family members.
This urge for constant motion in hyperactive children is their way of coping. It is believed that these children’s brains are under-aroused and they use motion to stimulate their brain to focus and listen.
If these children with special needs can manage to subconsciously fidget, chew or bite, say with KidCompanions Chewelry or SentioCHEWS, it allows their mind to focus on the main tasks. This is exactly what many people do when they doodle while speaking on the phone or when they listen to music while doing another task.
Solutions, Support, and Strategies Help Students with ADHD
In a school environment, the accommodations/solutions, support and strategies given to the student with ADD/ADHD must not be disruptive to the rest of the class.
If the child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), accommodations should be written down including the use of mouth or hand fidgets. Giving these children quieter options in class and organizing movement breaks for this child during long sitting periods will help him accomplish much more. Making him feel it is OK to quietly stand, do wall pushes or chair pushes will be very beneficial. Standing in the back is another option or sitting on a huge ball, swivel or rocking chairs has proven successful with some hyperactive students.
New ADHD Medication Rules: Brain Science and Common Sense by Dr. Charles Parker
For our Special Needs Book Review site I have reviewed New ADHD Medication Rules: Brain Science and Common Sense by Dr. Charles Parker. This is a great book for adults with ADHD, parents of children with ADHD, and medical practioners to help them understand the factors involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. See my review here.
Dr. Parker tells his readers with ADHD that seeking the most modern and informed doctors is the patient’s responsibility. Brain literature and science is growing so fast that many are having trouble keeping up. Many people will be much better informed and will be able to make informed choices in their care because of his new book, New ADHD Medication Rules and his regular reports of new science findings on the award-winning CorePsych site.
In his book, I love Dr. Parker’s “Pep Talks” with fatherly undertones and his cheer leader attitude that prompt the reader to action:
- Start with yourself, buy a workbook, outline your personal objectives, set a calendar, buy a pill buddy…
- If you want to correct your life with ADHD, the process requires far more than just medications changing your brain. You actually have to take care of your brain, mend your body and fire up your engine with the best food possible.
- Eat a protein breakfast, exercise and get proper sleep. Your brain and body will run much better, last longer and will be happier.
- Your recovery is up to you; with this guide, you can make it happen.
- Manage your breakfast, your sleep, your metabolic rate, your exercise and your time to rest.
- Take your medication regularly… You are worth it and compromise on medication is not the best strategy.
AD/HD Success! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem: The Diary Method for Ages 7-17 by Kerin Bellak-Adams, B.A.
I also want to tell you of about an easy-to-use workbook is have reviewed written by Kerin Bellak-Adams entitled AD/HD Success! Solutions for Boosting Self-Esteem: The Diary Method for Ages 7-17. Ms. Bellak-Adams is a highly respected expert in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and an authority on building self-esteem in children and adults.
She has penned a practical workbook for children aged 7 to 17. Parents, teachers, classroom aids, counselors, and school psychologists are using Bellak-Adams’ proven techniques for boosting self-esteem with children and adolescents with an AD/HD diagnosis. Ms. Bellak-Adams’ book inspires caregivers to help children under their care to make positive changes in their daily lives at school, home, and in the community.
The adults in the life of students with attention disorders must help him learn strategies and life skills to self regulate his energy body so that he can listen, learn and blend in with his peers. By building their students/children’s self-esteem, kids will feel good about themselves and proud of their strengths.
What is the most effective accommodation that has been made for your child with ADHD? Leave us a comment to share with other readers.
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