Teaching children with ADHD: strategies, techniques and support

Teaching children with ADHD: strategies, techniques and support

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro ontogenetic disorder that affects a child’s ability to concentrate, control impulses and regulate activity levels. Teaching children with ADHD requires a specialised approach that takes into account their unique needs. In this article we will look at the main aspects of organising the learning process, methods of correction and support for such children.

Characteristics of children with ADHD and its effects on learning

Children with ADHD face a range of difficulties that can interfere with their academic performance and social adjustment:

1. Attention Deficit

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks, especially monotonous tasks.
• Easily distracted by external stimuli.
• Often does not complete tasks that have been started.

1. Hyperactivity

• Cannot sit still for long periods of time, especially under strict rules (e.g. at school).
• Excessive motor activity (fidgeting, jumping, touching objects).

1. Impulsivity

• Acts without thinking about the consequences.
• Interrupts others, answers a question without listening.
• It is difficult to wait for their turn.

These characteristics make it difficult to learn in a traditional school environment that requires diligence, discipline and long periods of concentration.

How to organise learning for a child with ADHD?

1. Individualised approach and flexibility

• Programme adaptation: For children with ADHD it is useful to break the material into small blocks, use alternative activities and fun methods.
• Flexible programme: short sessions (15-20 minutes) with breaks for physical activity help to maintain concentration.

1. Create structure and predictability

• Clear daily routines: A schedule with fixed times for study, rest and play reduces anxiety.
• Visual cues: Task lists, timers and coloured signs help the child to orientate the tasks.

3 Using multisensory methods

• Association and visualisation: Recall through images, pictures or gestures (e.g. learning words through gestures).
• Hands-on activities: Experiments, projects and interactive materials are better for learning than lectures.

1. Supporting emotional well-being

Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, mindfulness) help to manage emotions.

Rewards: A reward system (e.g. points for completing tasks) motivates the child.

Cooperation with schools and professionals

• Teacher training: Teachers need to know how to adapt tasks (e.g. allowing movement or using anti-stress toys).
• Help from psychologists: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) improves self-regulation skills.

Education options: school and home education

Traditional school

• Problems: Strict rules, noise and distractions exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
• Solutions:
• Individualised Education Plan (IEP).
• Seating at the first table.
• Opportunity to take a break .

Online learning

• Advantages
• Flexible programme.
• Opportunity to revise materials.
• Less social pressure.
• Disadvantages: Requires a high level of self-organisation and parental supervision.

Mixed format

• Combining home education with participation in clubs or departments for socialisation purposes.

Recommendations for parents

1. Avoid criticism: Focus on successes, not mistakes.
2. Help with organisation: Use organisers, reminders and checklists.
3. Control the workload: Avoid overwork – children with ADHD exhaust themselves more quickly.

4 Refer to specialists: Neurologists, speech and language therapists and psychologists can help you find corrective methods.

Conclusion

Educating a child with ADHD requires patience, creativity and co-operation between parents, teachers, doctors. The basic principles are individualisation, structure and support. With the right organisation, children with ADHD can successfully master the programme and realise their potential.