Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with an individual's daily functioning and development.

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The core symptoms of ADHD include:

 

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, easily distracted, forgetful in daily activities, and struggling to follow through on instructions or finish tasks.

• Hyperactivity: Excessive physical movement, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, and excessive talking, especially in situations where it is not appropriate.

• Impulsivity: Acting hastily without considering the consequences, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting one's turn.

 

ADHD can be classified into three main presentations:

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• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation 

• Combined Presentation (inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)

 

ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, with an estimated prevalence of 8.4% in children and 2.5% in adults. It is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, although this may be due to differences in symptom presentation.

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ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including a detailed history, behavioral assessments, and ruling out other potential causes of symptoms. 

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Here are some key ways to support numeracy and literacy development for students with ADHD:

 

Use Visual Supports

• Provide concrete materials and visual objects during math lessons to develop numeracy skills.

• Use graphic organizers, semantic maps, and visual aids to support reading and writing.

 

Engage Multiple Senses

• Incorporate rhythm, music, and touch to emphasize word syllables, rhyming, and phonemes. For example, have students tap out syllables or count dots on written numbers.

 

Break Up Learning with Brain Breaks

• Mix learning with short physical or mental breaks to increase student engagement.

 

Teach Self-Monitoring Strategies

• Give students checklists to assess their own work and to do lists to plan how to include key elements.

 

Incorporate Peer Tutoring

• Use group work and peer communication to allow students to learn from watching others.

 

Explicitly Teach Metacognitive Strategies

• Help students understand their own learning process and identify strategies that work for them.  Teach rehearsal, elaboration, mnemonics, visual organizers,  and self-questioning. 

 

Provide Choices and Self-Regulation Opportunities

• Offer students choices in how they engage with content and demonstrate learning. Empower students to actively participate and regulate their own learning process.

 

Use Multisensory, Multimodal Instruction

• Present information through visual, auditory, and hands on based modalities. Allow students to express their knowledge through multiple means like movement oral, written, digital. 

 

The key is using a multimodal approach that incorporates evidence-based strategies, provides choices and supports, and creates a positive, inclusive learning environment. By addressing the unique needs of students with ADHD, educators can help them develop strong literacy and numeracy skills and reach their full potential.

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