ADHD
Even though ADHD was not as "popular" in the 60s and 70s when i attended grade/high school, it seemed that those students who had what is now recognized as ADHD were thought of as just being hyper. Not sure if the treatment received todsy is better or worse
I agree there is a difference between "true" ADHD and kids who have difficulty learning because of other factors. I have 3 kids (no ADHD dx) but I know they are at their best when we eat balanced family meals at regular times, they play-hard-outside whether at home or a sport, and they get plenty of rest. If we skip a couple of healthy meals (probably because we are at too many sports practices) or the weather is bad so they can't play or they get to bed late their moods and attitudes change. We are a minimal screen-time family and they also have changes in mood when they have the opportunity to spend several hours a day with computer games or Netflix.
Think about the differences in generational eating habits, outdoor activities and sleep. Clearly Veterans and Boomers didn't have the opportunity to have any screen time after 11pm. Kids played outside from sun up to sun down. They were tired and slept far more than Gen Yers.
You don't have to be a scientist to know that Gen X and Yers eat far more processed food, less whole fruits and vegetables and far more sugar than any generation. This combined with lack of activity has a physical manifest of the obesity epidemic but I think also a mental aspect is ADHD like symptoms. When you look at the side effects of low iron (anemia)they are very similar to mild ADHD-difficulty sitting still, difficulty learning in the classroom, fatigue alternating with hyperactivity...
One final thought, the same technology that offers labor savings and connectivity to Gen Yers is also not helping ADHD and similar behaviors-they eat poorly because no one eats a salad while watching TV or playing video games, technology rarely improves physical activity and all of that screen time and constant access affects quality sleep.
How can we use technology to improve nutrition, environmental causes, activity level and sleep to give kids with ADHD and similar symptoms an advantage?
I think some of my students have ADHD and that can be a real challenge. Trying to get them to pay attention or retain stuff they have learned is difficult. I have found that extreme patience is my best friend.
Noreen,
this is a great point & these various activities can help all of our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
ADHD can be difficult in terms of managing a classroom, but let us not forget that it is also a huge challenge for the student who is dealing with ADHD, and for the fellow students in the classroom. I agree that medication and proper diagnosis is important, but also as important is the need to recognize and have activities in learning that can support those with ADHD. To have lecture integrated with activities and to have a structure in the classroom is helpful. Having a plan for the class lesson and timed teachings can help all students and not just focus on the ADHD students.
ADHD can be a teacher's and parents nightmare. Proper diagnosis and medication are crucial. These students are really at a disadvantage in a traditional or accelerated classroom.
I have two grandchildren living with my wife and I one is 10 and the other is 13. We keep them busy to keep them out of trouble. The youngest one was thought to have ADHD so we tried to reward him for good behavior and it worked. I am not saying that it would work for all children but it worked on him.
I dont think parents are giving thier kids the attention they need so thier behavior goes uncorrected. Although who can blame them it almost takes both parents working to survive today.
We all have hyper kids in your classes. I use a “coaching†method. It helps them with focusing in several major areas: scheduling (time management) , goal setting, confidence building, and organization, focusing, prioritizing, and persisting at tasks.
Alex
It is very interesting to ponder on this post, because things that are unknown are often times mislabeled. As far as the diagnosis of ADHD is sometimes complicated and needs complete and thorough evaluation.
I agree with that Todd. I'm sure there are actual cases of ADHD, but I feel that most cases are just parents ignoring the discipline and turning to the quick fix meds.
Sorry folks...I don't buy the ADHD thing. There may be bona-fide cases of something along these lines, but I think too many times it's a lack of self-control resulting from a lack of skills related to discipline.
Vincent,
this is a good point as well. We've always had "hyper kids." Is that what we still have, or did we not just diagnose the ADHD as well?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
yeah, I'm not sure we really understand ADHD as it is defined in the DSM-IV. It's so much more prevalent in large part because (IMO) we are not prepared to take the responsibility for what is causing the "energetic" behavior in our children (poor nutrition, environmental causes, poor parenting, etc.) As a by-the-book ADHD sufferer, I can assure you, it's nothing like they suggest for most students! :)
