ADHD IN THE CLASSROOM

6.1 ADHD in the Classroom

Consider what you learned this week about ADHD as a high incidence neurodevelopmental disorder that is very common today. Describe how a preschooler with ADHD might behave and what challenging behaviors a classroom teacher may see with a student in this age group. How is this different from what might be seen in an elementary age child with ADHD, and a high school student with ADHD? Make sure to describe what behaviors you would see in a student at each of these age levels. What are some of the common comorbid conditions that might occur with ADHD that teachers may encounter in their students? Describe the effects the comorbid conditions have on the child in the classroom. Support your responses with scholarly evidence from class.

It is very important that teachers never take on the role of medical doctor and diagnose students with ADHD, even by hinting that a student may have ADHD or he sure needs meds. Medication is a controversial issue with ADHD treatment and teachers are not qualified to diagnose disorders or prescribe medications. Consider your thoughts, behaviors, and things you have said in the past about challenging students. Have you ever thought or said anything related to the comments above (you dont have to share your answer)? What can you do to provide objective factual information parents, or doctors may find useful, rather than subjective assumptions, myths, and/or opinions about challenging students?