HINTS FOR TEACHERS of ADHD Students
1. Don't buy into the line, "He'd behave if he wanted to."
That may or may not be true. He may behave just fine from time to time, and if you encourage him, he may do well for periods of time. But his problem is not that he does not want to behave, rather his problem has a medical basis as described on this site.
2. Understand that of all kids with ADHD, about 60% or so are hyperactive, and that 40% or so are not hyper at all.
Also know that about 60% are male, and about 40% are female.
Not all kids with ADHD cause problems. And only one out of three with the disorder will ever get help from a professional.
3. Don't dismiss the behaviors as just either poor parenting or poor classroom management.
4. Before talking to the parents get a second opinion from another teacher, the school psychologist, etc.
Make a list of the behaviors that you are concerned about. Don't try to diagnose the child yourself, just report the observed behaviors.
5. Invite the parents to come in to your class and observe their child in a classroom setting.
More than one visit may be required, as often having the parent present the first time creates a "unique" situation which stimulates the child to do better than normal.
6. Be aware that the ADHD child often does very well in unique or novel situations, or in one-to-one situations. This would include a visit to a physician or a therapist to diagnose a problem.
Also be aware that the hardest place for an ADHD child is in the classroom setting. There are dozens of distractions, pressures, and rules that can be difficult for the child.
Good luck with you and your ADHD kids!!!
This material may be reproduced for non-commercial uses. Please cite the author somewhere in the material: "The ADD ADHD Information Library" at http://newideas.net , by Dr. Doug Cowan.