Options when Exploring Attention Deficit Disorder

1. If your child’s classroom teacher expresses a concern about ADD, make sure to ask detailed questions as to why he/she has come to this conclusion. Get the specifics of what is being seen in the classroom.
2. Ask yourself and others who are close to you and your child if they are seeing the same things. If so, which symptoms are they seeing? If not, ask yourself why? How is this particular classroom environment different? Did last year’s teacher see some of the same behaviors?
3. See your pediatrician or therapist. Remember, only a medical professional can diagnose ADD.
4. Do your research! Today there are many ways to intervene with attention deficit disorder and each child responds differently to each. Some of these are:
 Medications: There is quite a variety here. Make sure that you educate yourself on these. Here is a helpful website: http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/medicine_cabinet/adhd_medications.html
 Classroom Accommodations:
...Students will benefit from short lecture periods and have opportunities to “turn to a partner” and teach what is going on. This will help to keep their mind active.
...Hold onto a stress ball or koosh ball to assist with giving them something to do so that they are not fidgety.
...Have them repeat back instructions given in class
...Sitting in the front of the classroom is often helpful. Please note that if the child does “attention getting” behaviors, it is best to place him/her in the back of the room.
...Have a timer on their desk for independent work time. Tell them to complete homework during this time. This activity will give them a focal point
...Praise for all times that the student stays focused
...Provide extra responsibilities for them. This will help them to take ownership for the classroom and help them to feel that they are working with the school and that school isn’t being “done to them.”
...Provide students with fun enrichment activities if they finish an assignment early.
...Take the time to coach the students on thinking through an activity. Have them look at consequences before they act. This needs to be gently and specifically taught as it often does not come naturally to these kids.
...Gently coach social skills such as the “personal space bubble.”
...Give them choices as often as possible.
...Because children with ADD are often very intelligent, it is usually best to speak to them as if they are older. In this way they feel respected for their viewpoints and perspective.

 Change of Diet: The book The Myth of the A.D.D. Child by Dr. Thomas Armstrong gives alternative ways to help children with this disorder.
 Counseling: Make sure that the therapist you choose has experience in working with children with ADD.
 Games: A great book to help your child with attention and focus is Attention Games: 101 Fun, Easy Games That Help Kids Learn to Focus By Dr. John Taylor.
Reading: The website http://www.add-plus.com has several great books.

Attention Deficit Disorder is receiving more attention than any other learning problem in this country. It is vitally important that we become as informed as possible when we are looking to help these wonderful children.