Discover a Few Things about ADD/ADHD
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Have you ever been around a child who just seems to bounce off the walls? Lacks self control? Never finishes one project before moving on to the next? Shows outward signs of anger? Is argumentative? Can’t sit still for a moment? Always seems to be daydreaming? Or drifting off in space?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are still debated in many areas of study. The symptoms seem that they could fit any one of us at some point.
The medical world is still trying to diagnose these disorders properly. The struggle becomes discerning a medical issue versus a behavioral/discipline issue. This brings concerns that we may be treating children who do not have it. The educational world is struggling to develop methods to instruct these children. Do we treat is as a disability where children are to be separated in a learning disability class or integrated into the classroom and dealt with as a behavior problem? How do we avoid labeling and giving up on these children because of their “difficult behaviors”? Teachers have to reflect on their teaching methods to become more individualized in their approach. They need to factor in learning styles and environmental aspects to provide the optimal learning environment.
It has been determined that ADD/ADHD is a dysfunction in the brain. It is focused on the frontal lobe of the brain which controls behavior. Neurotransmitters are interrupted due to a lack of a chemical which is commonly replaced with a medication like Ritalin.
Children with ADD/ADHD exhibit 4 common characteristics:
1. Short attention span
2. Impulsivity
3. Distractibility
4. Disorganization
As you look at this list, you can see why it is so hard to diagnose these disorders. At some point we all exhibit these characteristics. Children with ADD/ADHD however consistently struggle with these on a daily basis. It effects their ability learn (process information) and how they interact with others, and how they feel about themselves.
A child can begin to show signs of ADD/ADHD as early as 3 years old. It is important to address the needs of children at this young age because the first years are so formational to their views, personality, values and sense of trust. A child is experiencing changes physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. It’s a lot to take in and process when your brain is working properly. It’s extremely challenging and overwhelming when it is not.
By understanding the characteristics, we can then determine our approach.
Keeping in mind that each child is unique and we must individualize how
we treat them.
Things we can do:
1. Give them one task at a time
2. Set short term goals
3. Give immediate positive reinforcement to support correct behavior…don’t
make them wait
4. Understand their mood swings: They are self conscious about their abilities
and can react argumentatively or in anger.
5. Quiet the environment. Avoid over-stimulation.
6. Give real experiences
7. Start with the big picture and move to the specifics
8. Know their time table. Rushing will only frustrate.
Learning
Styles:
1. Visual: Remove clutter, have a simple pictures
2. Auditory: play soothing music, speak clearly and slowly
3. Tactile: provide sensory activities that promote “hands on” involvement
4. Kinesthetic: allow the children to “do”. This will help
them make connections.
Children with ADD/ADHD are yearning for someone to believe in them and understand them. They do not want to be ‘difficult’. They want to learn and be loved and discover the world around them. By being sensitive to their needs, we show Christ’s love by accepting them and learning how to better communicate with them and enrich their environment. By believing in them, we can build their self esteem and encourage them to be the beautiful, special child that God created them to be. They are filled with immeasurable potential. We need not feel intimidated by children with ADD/ADHD, but spurred on to educate ourselves so that we can provide love and compassion to these children.
Matthew 18:1-5 says: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.’”
As Christians we are all created in the image of God. He has a special purpose for our lives to further his kingdom. God uses everyone. He is not limited.
Resources for ADD/ADHD
Understanding ADHD: A practical guide for teachers and parents by W. Bender
The attention deficit child by G.L. Martin
How to reach and teach ADD/ADHD children by S.F. Rief
You and your ADD Child by P. Warren and J. Capehart
Online
Resources:
www.addhelp.com
www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/adhd_and_gifted.html
www.christianadhd.com
www.adhd.com
www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/72.htm
www.chadd.org
www.disability.gov
***This information was obtained from International Network of Children’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry Seminar, Hand in Hand with: God’s Kids-ADD, ADHD, ODD. P.O. Box 190 Castle Rock, CO 80104. (303) 660-6626. www.incm.org
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