It’s finally October, and that means it’s ADHD Awareness Month! Let's explore some best practices for supporting our students with ADHD!

It’s finally October, and that means it’s ADHD Awareness Month! Let's explore some best practices for supporting our students with ADHD. According to the website <a href="http://adhdawarenessmonth.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADHDAwarenessMonth.org</a>, “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. It is described as a ‘persistent’ or ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of daily life or typical development.”<a href="https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a> Many students are affected by ADHD, however, it is important to remember that students with ADHD are still individuals and may have different needs despite sharing a similar diagnosis.According to the Centers for Disease Control, one symptom students with ADHD may experience is “being easily distracted from schoolwork or play and forgetting things.”<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/articles/is-it-adhd.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a> Of course, it is common for all students to become distracted from time to time, no matter their age or ability. However, for students with ADHD, distraction is more than an annoyance or temporary speed bump; it can disrupt their focus so much they are unable to get back on track, constantly forget materials they need, or even lose track of what their assignment was in the first place! Luckily, there are lots of ways to support students with organization and focus. Here are some resources that can help all of your students get on track:<ul><li><a href="https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/adhd-organization-tips-for-students" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADHD Organization Tips for Students</a></li><li><a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/building-secondary-students-organizational-skills/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Building Older Students’ Organization Skills</a></li><li><a href="https://everydayspeech.com/blog-posts/no-prep-social-skills-sel-activity/teaching-organization-skills-for-students-in-special-education/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teaching Organization Skills for Students in Special Education</a></li></ul> The Mayo Clinic suggests that another consideration for students with ADHD is hyperactivity or impulsivity, and lists symptoms such as “having difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in other situations and being on the go, in constant motion”<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a>. Obviously, there are times that remaining seated is important, but it is also possible to allow for accommodations that address students’ needs and developmental levels. Here are some tips for making seat time more manageable for your students:<ul><li><a href="https://pinchxeverything.blogspot.com/2012/05/teaching-wiggle-worms.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teaching Wiggle Worms: ADHD Methods That Really Help</a></li><li><a href="https://www.coordikids.com/movement-breaks-in-the-classroom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Ways Movement Breaks in the Classroom Help with Behaviour</a></li><li><a href="https://www.additudemag.com/energy-to-spare/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Safe, Productive Movement Ideas for Hyperactive Students</a></li><li><a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/wiggly-students/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 Strategies to Use with Your Squirmiest, Wiggliest Students</a></li></ul> Adding even one or two new organization or movement strategies can really make an impact for your students’ day-to-day experience. Plus, by striving to integrate best practices for your students with ADHD, you will enhance the learning experience for all students. While it’s important to think of our students with ADHD all year long, take an extra moment to consider how you can best support them this month!<h3>References:</h3><ol><li>ADHD Awareness. (n.d.). ADHD Awareness Month - October 2021. <a href="https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/</a></li><li>CDC. (2024, May 15). Is it ADHD? Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/articles/is-it-adhd.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/articles/is-it-adhd.html</a></li><li>Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 25). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889</a></li></ol>

Supporting Students with ADHD