ADHD can pose challenges, but with the right strategies and support, children with ADHD learning disabilities can thrive. The prevalence of ADHD in South Africa is 1 in 20 children and 1 million adults, according to a 2018 report. But here’s the good news – you can help children with ADHD learning disabilities succeed. It is important to realize that children with ADHD are sometimes labelled as neurodiverse, an umbrella term that encompasses the differences in the way some people think and process information.
This article explores practical approaches to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers to make a positive impact on these young minds. If you are a parent and new to navigating the digital landscape, here are some effective online homeschooling tips for you.
Understanding ADHD: What You Need to Know
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It’s characterized by difficulties in maintaining attention, controlling impulsive behaviour, and regulating hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with tasks that require sustained focus, organization and time management.
ADHD is not just a matter of being easily distracted; it can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including school, work, and relationships. There are three subtypes of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals primarily struggle with attention and organization.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Individuals mainly exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation: A combination of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms.
As all children require the best education possible, Wingu Academy is launching its Online Specialist Unit for Special Education Needs in 2024. It will cater to students with a range of special education needs that include:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Speech and language disorders
- Emotional and behavioural disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
- Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia
Practical Strategies to Support Children with ADHD Learning Disabilities
Let’s explore various strategies and tools to assist children with ADHD learning disabilities. Here we go:
Create Urgency
Children with ADHD may find it challenging to recognize the importance of tasks and deadlines. This is where parents, teachers, and caregivers have to into the picture by communicating that they need to prioritise the tasks at hand.
There are different ways to handle this. You have to get creative while being firm in the objectives to be met. Help them by using visual aids like calendars and timers to create a sense of urgency. Communicate the significance of completing tasks promptly and the consequences of not doing so.
It may be helpful to break down the main task into several blocks that can be completed incrementally. This way, the task does not seem overwhelming. Timers and alarms can be used to encourage them to work during designated periods and give them breaks to maintain focus while appreciating what they have achieved.
Ignite Interest
Children with ADHD have a hard time focusing on activities that don’t pickle their interest. It is therefore important for you to make the activities interesting and captivating for them. How do you keep them motivated? Here are our top 10 study hacks on how to keep your child motivated.
One effective way to help children with ADHD learning disabilities is to make learning engaging and interesting.
Tailor lessons to their interests whenever possible. You have to know what they like and what makes them tick. Use colourful visuals, hands-on activities, and interactive games and link the activities at hand to their favourite hobbies to keep their attention.
Allow them to ask questions and explore. Spark their curiosity to keep them engaged. If possible, avoid a dull learning environment. Create a safe, exciting, and positive environment for learning at home and you can make tangible progress in helping children with ADHD learning abilities.
Allow for Breaks and Movement
People usually need to study between 50 – 90 minutes before taking a break so that they can maintain their productivity. And the breaks may last anywhere between 5 – 25 minutes. The same needs to be done to help children with an ADHD learning disability.
Sitting still for extended periods can be particularly tough for kids with ADHD. Allow for regular breaks where they can move around, stretch, or play briefly. Physical activity can help them refocus and release excess energy.
Utilize a Planner to Support Children with ADHD Learning Disabilities
Children with ADHD learning disabilities need help in managing their time and responsibility. Introduce children to the concept of planners or organizers. These tools can assist in structuring their day, setting goals, and tracking assignments. Encourage them to write down tasks and use checklists to monitor their progress.
How do you achieve this? You can use digital calendars to schedule activities and assignments. In some cases, you can create a colour-coded calendar that tells children what and when to do a particular task.
The end goal is for children to be organized and responsible for their tasks.
Invest in an ADHD Chair
Any human being needs to be comfortable to complete a particular task. Consider providing an ADHD-friendly chair or seating arrangement. Some children with ADHD find it easier to concentrate when they have a comfortable, supportive chair that allows for movement.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on the chair but look for important features such as ergonomic design. An adjustable chair is important as it allows children to switch positions depending on their preferences and focus levels.
Brown Noise for ADHD
Some children find it difficult to concentrate if there is background noise. It may be difficult for a child to concentrate if they can hear TV or radio sounds from the background. It may be beneficial to eliminate any background noise. However, some types of noise can be helpful to the children.
White noise or brown noise can help children with ADHD focus by masking distracting background sounds. You can use a white noise machine or apps that offer various ambient sounds to create a more conducive learning environment.
Leverage Technology to Support Children with ADHD Learning Disabilities
The rise of EduTech should help support children with ADHD learning disabilities to improve their productivity.
In today’s digital age, there are numerous apps designed specifically to assist children with ADHD. These apps can help with time management, organization, and improving focus. Some of the best ADHD apps include tools for setting reminders, managing tasks, and tracking progress.
Educational games and apps should make learning more engaging and interesting.
Conclusion: How to Effectively Support Children with ADHD Learning Disabilities
In conclusion, supporting children with ADHD learning disabilities requires patience, understanding, and tailored strategies.
By creating a sense of urgency, igniting interest, allowing for breaks and movement, using an ADHD planner, investing in ADHD-friendly seating, utilizing brown noise, and making the most of ADHD apps, you can make a significant positive impact on these young minds.
Remember that every child is unique, so it’s essential to adapt these strategies to their individual needs. With your guidance and the right approach, you can support children with ADHD learning disabilities and help them thrive.
If you want to know more about how to make tangible progress in helping children with an ADHD learning disability, speak to our consultant now or drop us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Support Children with ADHD Learning Disabilities
How do you support a child with ADHD in the classroom?
Supporting a child with ADHD in the classroom involves creating a structured environment with clear routines, providing individualized instructions, minimizing distractions, offering regular breaks, and fostering open communication with parents and caregivers.
How do you support a child with learning difficulties in school?
Supporting a child with learning difficulties in school requires personalized teaching strategies, extra tutoring when needed, providing clear instructions, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and offering frequent feedback.
How do you teach a child with ADHD at home?
Teaching a child with ADHD at home involves establishing a structured routine, minimizing distractions, using visual aids, offering short, focused lessons, and incorporating breaks. Providing clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and adapting the teaching approach to the child’s individual needs are key to successful at-home education for children with ADHD.
Can I get financial help for a child with a learning disability?
Yes, financial help for a child with a learning disability is often available. You can explore government programs, special education services in schools, and non-profit organizations for financial assistance, educational support, and accommodations.
What are the ADHD strategies for teachers?
ADHD strategies for teachers include creating a structured classroom environment, using visual cues, providing clear and concise instructions, offering frequent feedback, allowing for movement breaks, and collaborating with parents and specialists to tailor support for individual needs.