Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 | 12:00 AM
Students in the United States are being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) in increasing numbers. As of 2011, 11 percent of students in the U.S. received an ADD diagnosis. Earning an online Master’s Degree of Education in Special Education is a great way to deepen your understanding of disorders such as ADD. You will also learn teaching methods and classroom management strategies to keep students with ADD focused and engaged.
Teachers unfamiliar with attention deficit disorder in children risk growing frustrated with students, which creates a barrier to the development of a positive teacher-student relationship and a successful learning experience. Teachers should understand the following facts about ADD.
ADD Is Not a Deficit of Knowledge or Intelligence
It is important for teachers to know that ADD does not indicate a lack of intelligence in students. ADD is a disorder that affects self-control and emotional regulation, which influences behavior, hyperactivity, impulsivity and focus.
Students With ADD Are Not Purposefully Misbehaving
It may seem like a student who is consistently hyperactive is misbehaving on purpose. However, attention deficit disorder in children results in a lack of self-control. Whereas students without ADD can pause to consider their actions, students with ADD lack that ability. Through patience and targeted teaching strategies, teachers can help students create healthy associations and self-regulate.
Children With ADD Have Trouble Focusing
When a student with ADD can no longer listen to a lesson or focus on a task, it is time to give him or her a break. ADD involves impairments in the management system of the brain that controls focus and memory. Teaching mindfulness to children with attention deficit disorder is one way to help them learn strategies for increased focus.
Children With ADD Need Motivation and Affirmation
Children diagnosed with ADD are more likely to develop depression, poor self-esteem and other psychiatric disorders as they grow older. Therefore, it is paramount for teachers to create a classroom culture that affirms and motivates.
When you earn an online master’s degree in special education, you will become familiar with conditions like attention deficit disorder in children. When special education teachers understand the disorder, they can provide a more compassionate and supportive learning environment for students with ADD.
Learn about University of Texas Rio Grande Valley online M.Ed. in Special Education degree program.
Source:
Edutopia: Strengthening Executive Function Development for Students with ADD
Education World: How Can Teachers Help Students with ADHD?
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