teaching Young Children with ADHD

Foreword by Meredith Cathcart Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Yes, ADHD Is a Real Disorder! Myth or Fact? Diagnostic Criteria Manifestations of ADHD Prevalence of ADHD Recognizing and Understanding ADHD in Young Children What Causes ADHD? Creating an Optimal Learning Environment Summary 2. Recognizing ADHD: Primary Symptoms and Common Impairments Inattention Hyperactivity Impulsivity Other Behaviors Often Seen in Children With ADHD Impairments in Executive Functioning Temperament and ADHD Summary 3. Developing and Reinforcing Appropriate Social Skills Preschool and Elementary School as the Training Ground What Are Social Skills and Why Are They So Important? Social-Skills Development Strategies That Support Social Skill Development Five Problem-Solving Areas That Challenge Children With ADHD Suggestions for Reinforcing Appropriate Social Behaviors Challenging Settings for Children With ADHD Summary 4. Help, This Kid Is Driving Me Crazy!!: Proactive Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports Developing a Personal Philosophy of Behavior Management Analyzing Behavior Putting the Strategies to Practice Summary 5. How Do I Teach This Kid? Classroom Strategies to Support All Learners Classroom Success Is Possible Treating Children With ADHD Fairly Defining the Objective of the Lesson The Differentiated Classroom Making Appropriate Accommodations Beyond Accommodations and Interventions: The Special Education Referral Learning Disabilities Other Health Impaired Summary 6. Why Is Writing So Hard? Specific Strategies to Develop Writing Skills Why Writing Is So Hard Teaching Early Writing Analyzing Writing Tasks Scaffolds for Writing Success The Dreaded Book Report! The Even More Dreaded Written Report Summary 7. What Teachers Should Know About Medication What Medications Are Most Commonly Used to Treat ADHD? What Changes Can I Expect to See With My Students on Stimulants? Do Stimulants Cure ADHD? How Do These Medicines Work? How Long Does a Child With ADHD Need to Be on Medication Before It Works? How Will I Know If My Student Is Over-Medicated? If the Medicine Works, Does That Confirm That the Diagnosis of ADHD Is Correct? What Are the Possible Side Effects of Stimulants That My Student Might Experience? What Information From Teachers Is Helpful to Doctors? Are Stimulants Addictive? Can Stimulants Lead to Problems With Abuse of Other Drugs? Are There Particular Kids Who Would Be Expected to Do Poorly on Stimulants? Are There Children Who Need to be on Medication Only at School? Are there Problems With Adverse Drug Interactions if a Child Is on a Stimulant? I've Heard That Kids Can Become Psychotic on Stimulants. Is It True? Can Stimulants Be Used by Children Younger Than Age 5? My Students Used to Do Well on Ritalin, but Now It Doesn't Seem to Work. What's Going On? Are There Any Good Natural Remedies Available for Treating ADHD? One of My Students Is on Prozac. Is This Commonly Used in Young Children With ADHD? Do Medications Help Learning Disabilities? One of My Students Is Very Defiant and Oppositional. Will Medications Help With This? Summary 8. Communicating Effectively With Parents Parents: The Most Important Resource Respect and Acknowledge the Challenges Parents Face Criticism Is the Least Effective Form for Change ADHD as an "Excuse" Helping Parents Separate Enabling From Supportive Decisions When It Seems a Child Might Have ADHD When Parents Don't Disclose That Their Child Is Taking Medication Regular Communication Is Critical Summary 9. Taking Care of Yourself Recognizing the Signs of Stress Suggested Ways to Lower Stress Resource A: Recognizing ADHD in Preschool and Primary Grades: Real Profiles Resource B: Other Disorders Sometimes Associated With ADHD Resource C: Childhood Disorders and Conditions That Can Mimic ADHD in Young Children Resource D: Recommended Books for Teachers Resource E: Useful Web Sites References Index