ADHD Strategies

Non-medical Interventions for ADD/ADHD

Children with ADD/ADHD often meet the demands of their world in an ineffective manner, and their academic performance, behavior and social interactions are often adversely affected. Every effort should be made to address the dysfunctional symptoms of ADD/ADHD children by providing non-medical strategies, especially during the period prior to referral.

Non-medical interventions include, but are not limited to: (a) educational planning, (b) behavior management, (c) cognitive therapy, and (d) attention training. Non-medical intervention strategies should be well documented as such information provides future teachers valuable information when planning for the child’s educational program. Such information is also useful to the physician who will provide information concerning the chronic nature and severity of the child’s symptoms.

Environmental Modifications:

1. Avoid assigning the student to “open classroom” or “split classroom” settings.

2. Assign seating where most visual distractions are behind the student.

3. Seat away from auditory distractions such as heaters, air conditioners, pencil sharpeners, etc.

4. Seat near teacher and appropriate role models, but still within the group.

5. If possible, surround the student with model students.

6. Create a structured environment with predictable routines.

7. Post class rules in a prominent place.

8. Prepare an alternative work area away from stimulation that all students can use.