How to Empower Kids with ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is one of the most common behavioral disorders that affect children ages 5 to 18. ADHD makes it difficult for children to sit still and focus. Empowering children with ADHD involves teaching children about their disorder, allowing them to talk about it, focusing on its positive aspects and providing tools and strategies to master social skills and increase attention span.

Instructions

1

Keep the workspace free of clutter and noise. Distractions are just another factor that make paying attention difficult for someone with ADHD. Let the child pick out his own desk, chair, pens, paper, notebooks, accessories, etc. Place a few inspiring and motivational posters on the wall with sayings such as "You can do it," or "Don't Give up."

2

Use a sheet of posterboard to create an "All About Me" collage. On the collage, have the child cut out words and pictures from old magazines that describe her hobbies and interests. Be sure to include things she is good at. Point out that having ADHD is just another facet of her personality and that everything about her makes her unique and special.

3

Have the child keep a journal and write in it whenever he feels disappointed or frustrated with himself. If there is something the child wants to get off his chest but is embarrassed to talk about, have him journal it instead. Journaling can empower a child with ADHD to express himself.

4

Give a child with ADHD the tools to succeed. Provide a chalkboard, wipe board, planner, calendar or post-it notes for the child to write daily reminders on. Help her realize that getting organized will enable her to prepare for tests and unexpected events and give her time to plan fun activities.

5

Use visual cues or aids to help promote learning. Encourage your student to run a finger or bookmark under each line as he reads. If possible, use markers to underline or highlight important information. Use a blank piece of paper to cover the page the student isn't working on to keep him from looking at the next page's problems. These cues will empower a child with ADHD to devise his own tools that will enable him to focus and stay on task.

6

Do activities that require concentration or attention. Some examples would be a blinking contest, word games, guessing games, charades and role-playing games.

7

Empower a child with ADHD with the ability to identify negative feelings and cope with them. Some examples would be practicing breathing techniques, closing eyes and counting, taking a break, doing simple stretches, listening to soft music, taking a walk, etc.