An article about hyperactive behavior (ADHD). You will find information about: what is ADHD? Where does the name come from? What can be the causes of hyperactive behavior? How can you respond to this, how do you deal with this as a supervisor?
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. Perhaps easier to remember is All Days Very Busy. This name is not entirely correct because not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive or busy! In English people often talk about ADD, so without H, when one means all ADHD, so with and without hyperactivity.
Where does the name come from?
ADHD is the official name from a list of disorders and diseases drawn up by the American Association of Psychiatrists. The name of this list is Diagnostical Statistical Manual (DSM). It is regularly revised, and version IV with amended text (Text Revision) is now in use: DSM-IV-TR. Although drawn up by Americans, over time this list has also been used in many other countries, including the Netherlands. It’s in every doctor’s desk drawer, so to speak.
What can be the causes of hyperactive behavior?
Hereditary
About 40% of children with ADHD have a parent with ADHD. Twin research shows that approximately 50% of all differences in hyperactive behavior, impulsivity and concentration problems can be attributed to hereditary factors. Biological parents also appear to have ADHD characteristics much more often than adoptive parents. Family studies show that 25% of family members are likely to also have ADHD.
Neurobiological
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health shows that the disorder is the result of a chemical imbalance or deficiency of certain neurotransmitters, which help regulate behavior. In individuals with ADHD, it has been shown that the amount of glucose used by certain parts of the brain is lower than in the brains of individuals without ADHD. In children with ADHD, the nerve cells that use dopamine as a transmission substance probably do not function properly. That is not a problem if the situation the child is in is not too exciting and not too complicated. If this is the case, the child will become disinhibited and will regain control less quickly than other children.
Power supply
This much is clear: ADHD is not caused by poor nutrition. Nutrients do influence our body and demonstrably influence our behavior. It is known that exposure to lead between 12 and 36 months can damage brain tissue and cause ADHD symptoms.
How can you respond to this, how do you deal with this as a supervisor?
Lines
- Make an overview with clear rules (not too many rules) and apply these rules consistently.
- Make agreements about what will happen if the rules are violated.
- If there are going to be changes in the daily routine, announce them in a timely manner
Teaching-learning situation
- Make sure that the material functions properly and is complete.
- Give one command per page. Provide short assignments.
- Also include physical activities in the class schedule.
- Provide appealing material with contrasting colors.
- Use different working methods to maintain attention.
Environment
- Ensure there is sufficient space between tables or groups.
- Do not place the child near a window or door, but place him near you. This way the child is not distracted by what is happening outside or who is coming in. Moreover, you can quickly address the child without the entire class realizing it.
- Limit the amount of work and posters in the classroom and limit it to certain areas or parts of the classroom. This can also be outside the classroom.
A hyperactive or overly active child in the classroom can be quite stressful for the teacher. It may be an idea to agree with a colleague that the child can occasionally participate in his or her group