Supporting Pupils with ADD or ADHD

How can I help my child develop listening and attention?

Try a change to the environment…
• Reduce distractions e.g. turn off the television; have fewer toys out.
• Choose an activity that your child loves – then they will really want to join in.

Try some visual support…
• Focus your child’s attention by asking them to look at your face before you give an instruction.
• Use visual clues e.g. gestures, objects, pictures, writing down the instructions or key words
• Show your child what you mean. It’s important that your child experiences success.

Try some verbal strategies…
• Tell them exactly how to do good listening: e.g. sit still, look at who is talking, think about what is being said.
• Give your child specific praise e.g. “Well done you listened really well to that story.”
• Give instructions in small steps - one piece of information at a time.
• Emphasise the key words that will help your child to know what to do. e.g. you need your shoes … and bag.
• Give instructions in the order they are to happen, e.g. “Put your shoes away then wash your hands”.
• When telling stories make them more interesting by using ‘voices’ for different characters.
• For older children check if they have understood the question/instruction by encouraging them to repeat back what they think they are expected to do.
Useful Websites:
 
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICE (ADDISS)
www.addiss.co.uk
Advice, support, local self-help groups, conferences and literature
 
CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
www.chadd.org
Information on up-to-date research advances, medications and treatments for ADHD 
 
LIVING WITH ADHD
www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
Comprehensive resource for anyone living with, or affected by, ADHD