Did you know that Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 5-9% of children? ADHD can impact student motivation, activity level, attention, and memory.
Let’s identify a few symptoms of ADHD:
- Fidgeting or inability to sit still when required
- Difficulty in recognizing social cues
- Highly fluctuating emotions leading to moodiness and irritability
- Challenges with organizing or finishing tasks
Some associated risks include:
- Susceptibility to substance abuse
- Risky behaviours leading to premature death
- Twice as likely not to graduate from high school
- 40% more likely to be unemployed as adults
How does ADHD affect peer relationships?
Individuals with ADHD often face social exclusion - being bullied, teased, or even completely ignored by peers. Here are some ways ADHD can impact peer relationships:
- Difficulty maintaining personal boundaries
- Engaging in behaviours perceived as annoying by peers and unable to stop when asked
- Unaware of or missing social cues
- Difficulty expressing emotions appropriately
How can we, as educators, help a student with ADHD?
Every student with ADHD is unique, and so is the solution. To help a student with ADHD, it is vital to first understand the problem and find a solution that works for your student.
- Observe patterns: Identify when and where challenges occur to help predict, prevent, or minimize potential issues and ensure student safety.
- Collaborate with the student: Listen to their perspective and involve them in problem-solving. Empowerment begins with being heard.
- Teach skills and strategies: Help students build tools to manage their challenges and reduce their impact over time.
- Provide supportive tools: Offer practical aids that foster independence and confidence.
- Promote inclusion and equity: Ensure every student feels valued and supported as part of the classroom community.