Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorders
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is typically diagnosed in childhood and characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focusing, staying still, and controlling impulses.
- Inattention
- Difficulties in focusing on lectures, readings, or assignments for extended periods
- Difficulties in following instructions
- Weak in planning, organizing, and prioritizing academic work (e.g. missing deadlines)
- Weak in paying attention to detail (e.g. frequent careless mistakes)
- Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Difficulty staying seated for long periods
- Interrupting conversations or activities
- Talking excessively
- Use clear and simple language
- Focus on one topic at a time and avoid complex questions
- Break down complex instructions in small and manageable steps and provide these steps in verbal and written formats
- Recap key points
- Prompt students to paraphrase instructions to confirm their understanding
- Provide learning materials prior to class to enable early preparation.
- Provide regular breaks to allow physical movement and reduce restlessness.
- Incorporate visual aids (e.g. diagrams, charts) and written summaries to supplement verbal instructions.
- Provide clear course outlines and schedules
- Recommend tools such as note-taking apps, task management software, or timers to aid in organisation
- Allow audio/video recordings of lectures for revision
- Discuss special learning and exam arrangements privately with students
- Encourage students to express their needs and preferences regarding accommodations
- Consider flexibility in time and format for assignments and tests
- Break down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with individual deadlines
- Allow extended time for exams (recommended by professionals)
- Break longer exams into sections with breaks in between
- Arrange a separate room for exams/tests to minimise distractions if possible
