Other Health Impairment – ADD/ADHD
by April Mathews
1. Cognitive Effects
1.1. Difficulty maintaining attention and staying on task
1.2. Struggles with executive functioning (organization, planning)
1.3. Impulsivity affecting decision-making
1.4. Accommodation: Implement structured schedules with visual cues to reinforce routines (Barkley, 2020).
2. Linguistic Effects
2.1. Difficulty following multi-step directions
2.2. Struggles with written expression and organizing thoughts
2.3. Frequent interruptions when speaking or writing
2.4. Accommodation: Break tasks into small, manageable steps and provide visual checklists (Harris & Graham, 2019).
3. Social & Emotional Effects
3.1. Impulsivity may lead to difficulty in peer interactions
3.2. Increased frustration with academic challenges
3.3. Potential for low self-esteem due to negative feedback
3.4. Accommodation: Use positive behavior reinforcement and self-regulation strategies like mindfulness exercises (DuPaul & Stoner, 2021).
4. Classroom Accomodations
4.1. Preferential seating away from distractions
4.2. Frequent breaks and movement-based learning activities
4.3. Use of fidget tools to improve focus
4.4. Accommodation: Provide extended time on tests and assignments to reduce pressure (Smith et al., 2020).