Primer text from The College of William & Mary

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions of children (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2015).

In a 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, scientists found that 6.1 million children aged 2-17 years living in the U.S. had been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is similar to previous estimates.

Ages 2-5: Approximately 388,000 children
Ages 6-11: Approximately 2.4 million children
Ages 12-17: Approximately 3.3 million children

The diagnostic term attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to individuals who display patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and overactive behavior that interfere with daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).

The goal of behavior management strategies is to help students learn to manage their own
behavior. The following strategies are most effective when used in conjunction with evidence based instructional strategies.


Prevention Strategies
Here are some preventive measures that support students in demonstrating positive
behavior.


Nonverbal Supports: Together with the student, develop inconspicuous,
nonverbal messages such as eye contact, hand gestures, or other signals that teach
students to recognize the conditions that trigger specific behaviors. Once the
system is developed, students can learn to manage their behavioral responses
before they occur.