Teaching Young Children With ADHD

by Lougy, Richard A.; Deruvo, Silvia L.; Rosenthal, David K., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9781412941594
• ISBN10: 1412941598
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-03-28
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

Though many books exist to help teachers of school-age children with ADHD, not much has been written with the early childhood educator in mind. This unique book is specifically written for preschool and early elementary educators. Its focus is not to discuss guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in young children, but to provide PreKû3 teachers with a better understanding of the disorder, how to recognize it, and how it impacts both social-emotional and educational development. Children who exhibit ADHD behaviors need early educational support to minimize learning challenges and classroom disruption. The authors present a variety of strategies for classroom adaptations (both environmental and instructional), as well as practical interventions to develop appropriate social skills, manage classroom behavior, help children with ADHD master the particularly challenging task of writing, and communicate effectively with parents. One chapter reviews what teachers should know about medications and how they affect behavior in the classroom. An extensive Resource section at the end of the book offers detailed profiles of children in preschool and primary grades diagnosed with ADHD. Though this book has been written to help children who struggle with attentional issues, teachers will find the strategies applicable for all children in their classrooms.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Yes, ADHD Is a Real Disorder!

Myth or Fact?

Diagnostic Criteria

Manifestations of ADHD

Prevalence of ADHD

Recognizing and Understanding ADHD in Young Children

What Causes ADHD?

Creating an Optimal Learning Environment

Summary

Recognizing ADHD: Primary Symptoms and Common Impairments

Inattention

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Other Behaviors Often Seen in Children With ADHD

Impairments in Executive Functioning

Temperament and ADHD

Summary

Developing and Reinforcing Appropriate Social Skills

Preschool and Elementary School as the Training Ground

What Are Social Skills and Why Are They So Important?

Social-Skills Development

Strategies That Support Social Skill Development

Five Problem-Solving Areas That Challenge Children With ADHD

Suggestions for Reinforcing Appropriate Social Behaviors

Challenging Settings for Children With ADHD

Summary

Help, This Kid Is Driving Me Crazy!!: Proactive Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports

Developing a Personal Philosophy of Behavior Management

Analyzing Behavior

Putting the Strategies to Practice

Summary

How Do I Teach This Kid? Classroom Strategies to Support All Learners

Classroom Success Is Possible

Treating Children With ADHD Fairly

Defining the Objective of the Lesson

The Differentiated Classroom

Making Appropriate Accommodations

Beyond Accommodations and Interventions: The Special Education Referral

Learning Disabilities

Other Health Impaired

Summary

Why Is Writing So Hard? Specific Strategies to Develop Writing Skills

Why Writing Is So Hard

Teaching Early Writing

Analyzing Writing Tasks

Scaffolds for Writing Success

The Dreaded Book Report!

The Even More Dreaded Written Report

Summary

What Teachers Should Know About Medication

What Medications Are Most Commonly Used to Treat ADHD?

What Changes Can I Expect to See With My Students on Stimulants?

Do Stimulants Cure ADHD? How Do These Medicines Work?

How Long Does a Child With ADHD Need to Be on Medication Before It Works?

How Will I Know If My Student Is Over-Medicated?

If the Medicine Works, Does That Confirm That the Diagnosis of ADHD Is Correct?

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Stimulants That My Student Might Experience?

What Information From Teachers Is Helpful to Doctors?

Are Stimulants Addictive?

Can Stimulants Lead to Problems With Abuse of Other Drugs?

Are There Particular Kids Who Would Be Expected to Do Poorly on Stimulants?

Are There Children Who Need to be on Medication Only at School?

Are there Problems With Adverse Drug Interactions if a Child Is on a Stimulant?

I've Heard That Kids Can Become Psychotic on Stimulants. Is It True?

Can Stimulants Be Used by Children Younger Than Age 5?

My Students Used to Do Well on Ritalin, but Now It Doesn't Seem to Work. What's Going On?

Are There Any Good Natural Remedies Available for Treating ADHD?

One of My Students Is on Prozac. Is This Commonly Used in Young Children With ADHD?

Do Medications Help Learning Disabilities?

One of My Students Is Very Defiant and Oppositional. Will Medications Help With This?

Summary

Communicating Effectively With Parents

Parents: The Most Important Resource

Respect and Acknowledge the Challenges Parents Face

Criticism Is the Least Effective Form for Change

ADHD as an "Excuse"

Helping Parents Separate Enabling From Supportive Decisions

When It Seems a Child Might Have ADHD

When Parents Don't Disclose That Their Child Is Taking Medication

Regular Communication Is Critical

Summary

Taking Care of Yourself

Recognizing the Signs of Stress

Suggested Ways to Lower Stress

Recognizing ADHD in Preschool and Primary Grades: Real Profiles

Other Disorders Sometimes Associated With ADHD

Childhood Disorders and Conditions That Can Mimic ADHD in Young Children

Recommended Books for Teachers

Useful Web Sites

References

Index

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