Spotlight on ADHD

In the days before sit-down learning, when the environment was the classroom and life skills were the lessons, having ADHD would have been a great advantage. Inventors, designers, artists and writers with ADHD would have achieved a great deal. No doubt we have all benefited a lot from our ancient ancestors who had ADHD! People with ADHD are known to have a lot of energy, be creative, resilient and brave. Many famous high achievers had ADHD, such as Walt Disney, and he certainly came up with a lot of great ideas we are still enjoying today. I can't imagine life without Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy.

In the classroom however, there can be challenges. Finding ways to reduce these challenges is incredibly important to help our young people achieve. An example that I use is "considerate fidgeting." If people need to fidget, then it is possible to do it in a way that is not intrusive for others. People with ADHD often need short breaks, which can also be managed in a way that is not disruptive to their own or other students' learning.

In the recent survey of ADHD some students responded as follows:

What do you think ADHD is?

• A disability that makes it hard to concentrate

• Characterised by understimulation of the brain. This can make it very hard for people with ADHD to focus without the support of extra stimulus

• Excessive energy or willingness

Despite the challenges that the sit-down classrooms present, students with ADHD can find ways to make it work for them, with good strategies for organisation and study, and plenty of support around them.

Here is a final thought to leave you all with:

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Gandhi