Accommodations
- Arrange for preferential seating near teacher and/or away from distractions.
- Create a special "study nook" free of distractions which the student can use during seat work time.
- Allow the use of headphones or earplugs during seat work time.
- Use a blank sheet of paper to cover up all work on a page except the current problem the student is working on.
- Create a hand signal or desk tap that gentle reminds student to refocus on work.
- Allow use of a stress ball or velcro to keep the hands busy during lecture times.
- Set a timer. If a given amount of work is done when the timer goes off, the student is allowed to run an errand.
- If possible allow student time to run a few laps outside.
- Reduce number of homework problems or seat work problems if attention is severe.
- Appeal to students maturity and responsibility when dealing with discipline problems.
- Allow for separate testing.
- Underline the part of the true/false question of which the student needs to determine the veracity.
- Provide a word bank for fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Reduce multiple choice answers to 2 choices, gradually increasing to 4 as confidence grows.
- Administer homework assignments, tests, quizzes in sections.
- Use check lists or lists of pictures to remind a student of schedules, lists, chores, etc.
Medicine Considerations
Always consult with a doctor about the best course of action when administering medicine for ADHD or ADD. The following are helpful tips I have learned along the way from parents and students:
- Medicine does take a few days to get into the system. Ask the doctor prescribing the medicine how long it will take the body to absorb the medicine.
- Most medicines decrease a child's appetite. Students should eat a big breakfast, then take their medicine. By supper time, most medicines have started to wear off so the child should be able to eat a good meal.
- Although a student looses his appetite, his blood sugar will still be affected by lack of food throughout the day. Have the student keep a jar of peanut butter, a can of orange juice, and/or peanuts in his locker or bag to snack on throughout the day. If the child's mood suddenly changes, excuse him to go get a snack. Blood sugar drops cause mood changes rapidly, and most students do not realize what is going on at the time.
- For time-release medicines, let the student eat snack or lunch once the first dosage starts wearing off and before the next dosage hits his system. This will energize him for his afternoon classes.
- For students taking medicine in the morning and afternoon, let him/her eat lunch once first pill has worn off just after lunch and before recess.
- Watch for personality changes. When a child's personality changes, he/she is either over-medicated or he/she is on the wrong medicine. Immediately contact his/her parents to share your observations.
- Observation of depression should immediately be communicated to the parent.
- Sudden drops in grades usually indicate a change in medicine or a day without medicine.
Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders
Current studies are finding more and more adults dealing with attention deficit issues in their jobs and their marriages. Coupling the aide of a biblical counselor with the practical advice of Dr. Hallowell will be a great help to many adults.
While I do not necessarily endorse all that Dr. Hallowell says, I have found his practical day-to-day living advice helpful. Please be discerning as you read the information contained on his website and compare what you read with Scripture.
While I do not necessarily endorse all that Dr. Hallowell says, I have found his practical day-to-day living advice helpful. Please be discerning as you read the information contained on his website and compare what you read with Scripture.