Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refer to a range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span.The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies ADHD as one of the most common childhood disorders which can continue thoughout adolesence and into adulthood.

In the UK, ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder.

What can Parents and Educators Do To Improve Reading Skills in Children with ADHD or Learning Disabilities?
As children progress through elementary/primary school, they are generally expected to read to learn.They receive instructions which they have to understand, and then work out how to find further information. ADHD children usually struggle with understanding the text. Fortunately, such children can be taught reading comprehension skills and strategies which will greatly aid them in decoding the written word

The importance of reading to your child cannot be overemphasized.This is largely because children's listening skills are often more advanced than their reading skills, and the child is able to follow the text as the parent is reading it aloud.
Experts suggest that parents should begin with short stories/texts and to alternate with recorded books which the child can listen to whlist reading the text themselves.

It is important for parents to take an interest in the books their child is reading.This can be done by the parent asking questions about what chapter their child has just finished and asking for information about the characters and the story itself.

Explain what figures of speech mean
Many adults forget that children with ADHD (and other learning disabilities) are usually 'overly literal' in that they may be completely floored by figures of speech such as "Stop sitting on the fence and make a decision!" or " David was an early bird and didn't like to sleep late".

Develop their vocabulary
A better vocabulary will lead to improved reading comprehension and will decrease the chances of your child losing interest in what he/she is reading.

Conferences
26-29 May 2011, 3rd International Congress on ADHD: From Childhood To Adult Disease, Berlin, Germany

Articles
A Short History of ADHD (3rd International Congress on ADHD: From Childhood to Adult Disease)
ADHD: How I got my sanity back
Former 'poster child for female ADHD' decides her past won't hold her back
Kids With ADHD Often Have Other Problems
Not Enough Sleep Disruptive For ADHD Kids (LD Online)

Websites
ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association - helping adults with ADHD lead better lives
LD OnLine (ADHD Basics)
Mañé Center - one of the few offices in the USA trained in Hemispheric Integration Therapy for the treatment of A.D.H.D. and Autism Spectrum Disorders (A.D.D., A.D.H.D., Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD Pervasive Developmental Disorders, OCD Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome and Autism.)
ADHD (NHS Choices)
Smart Kids Smart Parents - transforming ADHD and ADHD-like behaviour
World Federation of ADHD

Please see more information in our Resources section (Learning Disabilities).