Attention Deficit Disorder Essays

Attention Deficit Disorder Essays Attention Deficit Disorder Essay Attention Deficit Disorder Essay Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a psychosomatic condition characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas: Attention span, Impulse control and Hyperactivity (sometimes). ADD is a chronic disorder that can begin in infancy and extend through adulthood in most cases. Symptoms commonly found among children with ADD under the Attention span criteria include short attention span, making careless mistakes, difficulty in performing/finishing tasks, not listening/following instructions, easily distracted, loses things and forgetful in daily activities. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may show symptoms such as fidgeting or screaming in seat, excessive running or climbing at inappropriate time, restlessness of hands or feet and excessive talking. Other symptoms due to Impulsiveness include interrupting a conversation, or blurting out answers before question is completed and has difficulty awaiting turn. Students with ADD/ADHD have different needs and so they require a special learning environment. To establish the proper learning environment, seat students with ADD near the teachers desk, but include them as part of the regular class seating. Avoid distracting stimuli and transitions, physical relocation, changes in schedules and disruptions. Be creative! Produce a stimuli-reduced study area. Let all students have access to this area so the student with ADD will not feel different. When giving instruction, maintain eye contact, make directions clear and simple and avoid multiple commands. Monitor students frequently and maintain a supportive attitude. Avoid ridicule and criticism. Instead, reward more than you punish to build self-esteem.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to give special attention and education to students with disabilities, The Individuals Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA 97) was created. Through the 6 principles of IDEA children with disabilities can have access to a free appropriate and specialized public education. Well-trained evaluators can properly evaluate them and so their specific needs can be met. Students with disabilities can learn in a regular classroom and need not to be isolated from the normal students. They can live a normal life despite their disabilities. The Act also strengthens the role of parents in the education of their children thus making learning more effective. References Teaching Children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved September 1998, from ERIC EC Digest #E569 Website: http://ericec.org/digests/e569.html