Of course I would like to stay in my seat, not react to everything, and grumble at someone else, not so impulsively. Of course I would like to, just pay attention to the lesson, my work, that looks neat, of course I would like to, but often it doesn’t work, oh no because I have ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Three types of ADHD are distinguished:
Type 1
Only attention problems, without hyperactivity and impusiveness. See also article ADD
Type 2
Only impulsiveness and hyperactivity, without the attention problems. Little is known about this subtype. It is commonly seen in children under 7 years of age and could be a precursor to combined type 3.
Type 3
The combination of attention problems, impulsivity and hyperactivity. When we talk about ADHD, we usually mean this type. This form is the most common.
Inattention, busyness and impulsive behavior occur in most children from time to time, especially during tiredness, birthdays, tense events, and so on. But not every busy child has ADHD.
ADHD occurs when:
- These behaviors seriously occur in a manner that deviates from the norms applicable to age and gender.
- The behavior forms a recognizable persistent pattern.
- That pattern started before the seventh year.
- That pattern is present in multiple situations such as at home and at school.
- The young person’s development or functioning is hampered by this. Examples of this are: stagnant parenting situations, social isolation, learning problems and a negative self-image due to increasing fear of failure.
- There are attention and concentration disorders.
Characteristics
- Difficulty sitting still, being easily distracted.
- Difficulty waiting for turns, talking excessively, being loud, interrupting others.
- Difficulty following instructions and not ‘listening’ to what others say.
- Not being able to play calmly, often getting into dangerous situations.
- Difficulty following rules.
- Losing or losing things.
- Having problems with perception of time.
Intercourse
People with ADHD often pay attention to several things at the same time, and they often have difficulty concentrating on a task or assignment. They can find it very difficult to carry out boring tasks, but if they are sufficiently stimulated, their performance is equal to that of their peers. People with ADHD will not automatically perform better if you remove the sources of distraction. Of course, this does not mean that school work should be combined with, for example, watching television. The trick is to bring to life tasks that are not very interesting in themselves, so that the young person is more captivated by them. Dividing tasks into small, manageable pieces is desirable. It is important not only to pay attention to negative (school) results. Also make this clear to the student and remember that maintaining a good relationship with the student is very important. A young person with ADHD needs an environment that presents him with the consequences of his behavior on a silver platter. There must be someone who thinks in advance about what could happen and who takes measures to prevent mistakes. When an exam is coming up, an ADHDer will not start his preparation until it is too late. It is therefore better to make a plan in advance together with the student.
Regularity and structure are important for young people with ADHD. Timetables can help so that the young person knows what he/she has to adhere to. Announce changes to the routine in a timely manner. In addition, clear agreements can be made so that the young person knows what to adhere to. Use these agreements as consistently as possible: this provides the student with clarity, predictability and peace of mind. Be positive: say what you want rather than what you don’t want. The instructions must be very clear. Reward the student regularly: young people with ADHD are often blamed all day long for doing things wrong. They need to be appreciated for the things they do well. In the classroom, students with ADHD are best placed in a place where there are as few distractions as possible. Being able to make quick and direct contact is important. If ADHD has been diagnosed, medications are often prescribed. A well-known, widely used drug is Ritalin. Ritalin often needs to be taken two to three times a day. Another remedy is concerta: this has a longer effect and can be taken once a day.