ADHD and Attention Difficulties provides a complete introduction to this complex and sensitive topic. The book explores the issues, challenges and experiences commonly faced by a young person with ADHD – and how parents, carers, teachers and schools can help.
ADHD is a condition that impacts behaviour. Those affected often seem restless, struggle to concentrate and act impulsively. ADHD affects around 5% of school aged children, especially boys. As many as 75% of individuals with ADHD have at least one other diagnosable condition.
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, but it is thought to have genetic and neurological factors. Researchers have found a range of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. The child’s environment can also play a part, as can developmental injury to specific brain regions, drug use during pregnancy and premature birth.
There is no ‘cure’ for ADHD; however it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for both parents and children, alongside medicine, if necessary.
The premise of the book is that those who struggle with attention difficulties respond best to people who understand that it is neurological deficits, not unwillingness, that prevent them from behaving and learning like their peers. This is a complete, straightforward guide to the issues and challenges commonly faced by children and young people with ADHD and attention difficulties at home and at school – and the practical ways in which parents, carers, teachers and schools can help.
Series Preface
About the Authors
Authors' Preface
How to Use This Book
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: How teachers can help
5. Why are they bored?
6. How can I create a class that's ready to learn?
7. Why can't they remember and how do I support them?
8. Organising the disorganised
9. Promoting positive behaviour
10. Why don't they listen?
11. Self-regulation
12. Developing effective rapport, relationships and resilience
Part 3: How parents and professionals can work together
13. The importance of parent-school collaboration
14. Support through referral and assessment
15. The role of medication;
16. Coaching, counselling and CBT
17. Diet, sleep and exercise;
18. ICT and Speech and Language Therapy
19. Transitions
20. Adults & ADHD
Part 4: How parents can help
21. What does ADHD do to a family?
22. Diagnosis: the facts
23. Working with schools
24. Working with teachers
25. Activities outside school
26. Discipline and behavioural changes
27. Social skills and situations
28. A typical day
Part 5: Conclusion and resources
29. Summary
30. Advice for parents and carers
31. Advice for teachers
Appendices