Had the good fortune to attend an ADHD workshop today. The presenters prepared substantial slides. I want to record down my learning by uploading the photos I took and recording my learning points.
I know that there are three types of ADHD, but I didn’t know that the brain maturation can get delayed by as long as three years.
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ADHD, without hyperactivity (predominantly inattentive): symptoms and signs of attention deficit predominantly
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ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive type: symptoms and signs of hyperactivity-implusiveness predominantly
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ADHD, combined subtype: symptoms and signs of both attention deficit and hyperactivity-implusiveness
Haven’t never heard about norepinephrine until today. Now I know that it’s responsible for the body’s fight or flight response. I still don’t understand why the ineffective release of dopamine and norepinephrine causes ADHD students to have so many challenges with executive functioning. But since I have an inquiring mind, I think I will attract the answer to me some time soon.
I have an ADHD student who struggles with impulse control. He is very excitable and energetic. Once, I saw him turning his classmate upside down and RUNNING with him. My jaw nearly dropped. I need to work with him to discuss viable ways to slow his hyperactive mind down.
This boy failed his Maths final year exam. The thing is, he finished it in record quick time and napped after that. I think he doesn’t realise the things he hasn’t adeptly mastered yet. I will need to help him organise his learning so that he can plug his learning gaps.
Similarly, I will need to help him become more reflective and get him to examine his thought processes. He is probably not used to analysing his behaviour, so I will have to endure a string of “I don’t know” responses. But I guess it’s necessary to set up structures for him to think. Otherwise, he will always fall prey to his impulses.
In addition to using the optimal language with ADHD students, I learnt that medication is sometimes necessary to complement Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Some parents may be apprehensive of letting their children take medication because they are scared that they would get addicted or succumb to drug abuse later on in life. These concerns are unfounded. However, parents must still be aware of the side effects of medication. Some children might become lethargic as a result.
I hope you found my learning takeaways useful!