Instructional Strategies for ADD and ADHD Students

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For my topic I chose to research the instructional reading strategies that are evidence based for students with ADD and ADHD. To begin my research I will clearly define, the physical, emotional, and academic affects of both deficits. I will also provide reading strategies as well as appropriate incentives for these students. My goal is to better understand the challenges that my students face in the subject of reading and better address their academic needs in my classroom.
ADHD is defined as the presence of a biochemical disorder that does not allow people to work to their full potential. ADHD is not a learning disability. It is a separate issue entirely but may be accompanied by a learning disability. ADHD is the preferred term which describes this particular disorder to include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Symptoms can be recognized as early as 2 to 3 years of age.
Whether you have children or not you may easily identify these symptoms as normal. I know that I do. On any given day I am guilty of experiencing at least one of these symptoms as an adult. For this reason it is important to remember not to be hasty when diagnosing or accepting a diagnosis without having a clear understanding of the learning difficulties that an ADHD child will display. These symptoms will be consistent and may seem out of control. You may choose to reach out to a health professional at this time.
A physician can test and diagnose the child, however, specialists suggest having the patient be seen by a phycologist. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medicine. They will consider giftedness, temperaments, family problems, social problems, and discipline strategies. In this manner the child or adult le...

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... student facing the challenge of ADHD desires physical outlets in order to burn energy and regain control of him/herself.
In assessing my classes, I see an average of 493 students each week. In every class there is at least one if not several students who are confessed ADD/ADHD. Many of the assignments that I prepare are for reading passages. This research has better prepared me to meet the needs of my students. Students who have ADD versus ADHD do not have the hyperactivity but their challenges are just as real. Now that I understand the difference I feel confident in my ability to better meet their academic needs in the future.

Works Cited

http://www.webmd.com/add http://www.ldpride.net/addsub-types.htm http://www.borntoexplore.org/diagnosis.htm http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/4026.html http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/Journals/Winter2011/Mahone

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