| Since one out of twenty children have Attention | | | | psychologist, etc. When you do meet with the |
| Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the US, it is | | | | parents, make a list of the behaviors that you are |
| important for teachers to understand both the | | | | concerned about. Don't try to diagnose the child |
| myths and realities of the disorder. Here are | | | | yourself, as this will simply make the parents |
| some thoughts that teachers should consider: | | | | defensive. Instead, just report the observed |
| 1. Don't buy into the line, "He'd behave if he | | | | behaviors adn ask the parents to get it checked |
| wanted to." That may or may not be true. He | | | | out. |
| may behave just fine from time to time, and if | | | | 5. Invite the parents to come in to your class and |
| you encourage him, he may do well for long | | | | observe. More than one visit may be required, as |
| periods of time. But his problem is not that he | | | | often having the parent present the first time |
| does not want to behave, rather his problem has | | | | creates a "unique" situation which stimulates the |
| a medical basis which makes it hard for him to | | | | child to do better than normal. |
| sustain self-control. | | | | 6. Be aware that the ADHD child often does very |
| 2. Understand that of all of the kids with ADD, | | | | well in unique or novel situations, or in one-to-one |
| about 60% or so are hyperactive, and that 40% | | | | situations. This would include a visit to a physician |
| or so are not hyper at all. Also know that about | | | | or a therapist to diagnose a problem. Also be |
| 60% are male, and about 40% are female. Not all | | | | aware that the worst place for an ADHD child is |
| kids with ADD will cause problems. The rest will | | | | in the classroom setting. There are dozens of |
| just sit and stare. Only one out of three with the | | | | distractions, pressures, and rules that can be |
| Attention Deficit Disorder will ever get help from | | | | difficult for the child. And teachers, please be sure |
| a professional. | | | | to visit us at to find over 500 classroom |
| 3. Don't dismiss the behaviors as either poor | | | | interventions to help children with ADHD be more |
| parenting or poor classroom management. | | | | successful in school. Good luck to you and your |
| 4. Before talking to the parents, get a second | | | | ADHD kids!!! |
| opinion from another teacher, the school | | | | |