o be easily distracted,
o have difficulty following directions,
o frequently lose materials, and/or
o have difficulty organizing tasks and materials.


Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type.
The student may:
o Appear to be in constant motion,
o frequently fidget or move in his or her seat,
o become restless during quiet activities,
o leave his or her seat when expected to remain seated,
o interrupt others and classroom activities,
o talk excessively, and/or
o fail to follow classroom procedures (e.g., blurt out answers without raising hand).


Combined type.
The student may exhibit symptoms that include behaviors from both categories above.

In order for a student to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must appear before age 12 and be exhibited across at least two settings. They must also have adverse effects on academic performance, occupational success, or social-emotional development (APA, 2013).

To add to the complexity of the diagnosis, children with ADHD are likely to have co-existing emotional, behavioral, developmental, learning, or physical conditions (Wolraich & DuPaul, 2010).

As a result of the behaviors listed above, students with ADHD are at greater risk of academic
difficulties, social/emotional issues, and limited educational outcomes.

The requirements and qualifications for IDEA are more stringent than those of Section 504. IDEA provides funds to state education agencies for the purpose of providing special education and related services to children evaluated in accordance with IDEA and found to have at least one of the 13 specific categories of disabilities, and who thus need special education and related services. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be considered under the specific category of "Other Health Impairment" (OHI), if the disability results in limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment and that is due to chronic or acute health problems.

Section 504 was established to ensure a free appropriate education for all children who have an impairment-physical or mental-that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If it can be demonstrated that a child's ADHD adversely affects his or her learning-a major life activity in the life of a child-the student may qualify for services under Section 504. To be considered eligible for Section 504, a student must be evaluated to ensure that the disability requires special education or related services or supplementary aids and services. Therefore, a child whose ADHD does not interfere with his or her learning process may not be eligible for special education and related services under IDEA or supplementary aids and services under Section 504.

Have tangible reminders:
- A big clock in the bedroom;
- Charts for chores;
- Assignment pad to record homework and a specific folder to put work in upon completion; and
- Gain the child's attention before speaking to him or her. Have the child repeat back directions for things that are really important.
Avoid the following:
- Repeating patterns of inappropriate behavior followed by ineffective punishment;
- Administering consequences without prior warning or without the child understanding why he or she is receiving them; and
- Responding inconsistently to inappropriate behaviors.

Students with ADHD: Tips for Home

Students also can take some of the responsibility for their educational and behavioral adaptations. Blazer (1999) reported that students as young as 5 years old can communicate ways to make their school experience more pleasurable and learning easier. Student input also helps to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility for the new strategies and adaptations.
Here are some suggestions for practices that may be helpful for teachers working with a child with ADHD.

Praise, Praise, Praise: Attentiveness and appropriate classroom behavior are
prerequisites for learning