Ok, I am leaving school soon, about 4 and a half weeks-ish. Since being at Senior school I have had a lot of struggles with ADHD and I think the teachers need to understand ADHD more. So I am going to write a book for them before I leave. I would like to write about:

The symptoms of ADHD and why we behave the way we do
Teaching Tips
How to make the ADHD teen feel better about themselves at school
How to accomodate someone with ADHD
Learning Styles
I didn't realise how hard writing a short book would be as I just keep going from one topic to the other and I don't think someone without ADHD will fully understand it. I really need to make a proper list of things that I should include.

Teachers, other adults and teens...What things do you think I should include? What advice would you give to a teacher teaching someone with ADHD?

I would like this thread to go into the Adult ADD section instead of the school section because I am not only interested in what teenagers think but what the adults think of school's also.

Boone,


I would include these pieces found on www.bpchildren.com (they are copyrighted) or have every teacher you know read these two pieces. The two writings depict what the child experiences during the day at school. First without accomodations and the second one with. These bring tears to my eyes every time I read them. It should surprise no one here who has a child that is ADHD, Bi-polar and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder how insensitive many teachers are. My child lived the first one in school for too long. We've had teachers who refuse to believe the diagnosis even when sitting in a room with our MD Psychiatrist, Psychologist and LSW trying to build a workable IEP.
Now that I have been diagnosed with ADD (age 49) I can see more through my childs (age 14) eyes and experiences. Teachers need to see through each of their childs eyes in order to reach them and teach them. I wonder if that is possible.

NJTrout


My School Day

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="100%">"I struggle to open my eyes. Leave me alone. I want to sleep. My body is heavy, my head is swirling. How long has my alarm been ringing? Okay, I'm awake. I sit up in bed dazed. "Hurry, Hurry or you'll be late! Why are you so sleepy?" My nightmare woke me up. I couldn't sleep, I needed to stay awake. I didn't want to dream again. I stumble to my dresser. Where are the socks I like? Not this pair! They never feel right. The top is crooked and they go up too high. I hate the way they feel! No choice. On to breakfast. Who ate my waffles? There is only one left. You know I need two. One is uneven. I NEED two. There aren't two. I won't eat. I'll just brush my teeth. I can't go in the bathroom. It was in my nightmare. The bathroom isn't safe. I can't brush my teeth. It's time to leave. I can't leave. What if my house catches on fire? What if my parents die? I need to stay home. My stomach is churning. I feel sick. Can't I stay home?"</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" valign="center" width="100%">Click on the links below to read how "My School Day" will end with or without appropriate accommodations.</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="100%">Read how My School Day will end without appropriate accommodations (http://216.105.55.17/pdf/My%20School%20Day%20Without%20Help.pdf)</td></tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="100%">Read how My School Day will end with appropriate accommodations (http://216.105.55.17/pdf/My%20School%20Day%20With%20Help.pdf)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Hi Boone...

When I was in school, I always found that the best results for me came from teachers that were, well, just really good teachers. I know this isn't much help, but I think that teachers that are interested in their subject matter, engaging and enthusiastic about it are the best bet for *any* kids, ADHD or otherwise.

Subject matter that can be applied to real life is far more interesting and engaging. Describing the arc of a 60 kilo object with an initial velocity of 135km/hr and initial angle of 40 degrees is pointless. Make it an Olympic ski jumper, on the other hand, then you're cooking with gas!

On the other hand, when I tried taking Statistics for the first time at University, it was about 2 weeks into the course when somebody asked "But, sir, what is this statistical equation used for???" and the response was "Oh, no, you do not ask that question! This is a *theoretical* statistic!" I dropped the class that very afternoon.

Really not sure how much use that will be to you, but those were my experiences of my education.

-Scot