Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a neurological disorder. Research has indicated that ADHD is likely to be caused by biological factors that influence chemical messages (neurotransmitters) in certain parts of the brain. Slight imbalances in the neurotransmitters affect the parts of the brain which control reflective thought and the inhibition of ill-considered behaviour.

Adjustments in the learning environment can greatly assist a student with AD/HD but adjustments need to be tailored to meet the individual's needs.  Students with AD/HD are not all alike: the nature of the student’s disability and its impact on learning will vary significantly. Your first step is to discuss with the student his or her particular needs.

The following strategies will help all students learn more effectively, but will particularly benefit students with AD/HD.

• Consider creative presentation of course material. Aim to stimulate a range of senses by providing, for example, visual aids and hands-on experience
• Link course material to personal stories, visual images, and sounds
• Encourage students to be active readers: to underline, highlight and jot down responses to and questions about their reading
• Encourage students with AD/HD to sit near the front of the classroom to minimise distractions
• Help students break assignments and reading tasks into small, manageable chunks
• Encourage students to establish a study space conducive to effective learning
• Suggest that students develop time-management and organisational habits, such as writing themselves reminders, keeping diaries and writing lists
• Encourage students to develop a study routine
• Provide clear, detailed instructions about course structure, key dates, assessment requirements and practical arrangements, in both oral and written form
• Provide reading lists as early as possible. Offer guidance to key texts, and allow an in-depth study of a few texts in place of broader study
• Teach using a variety of formats – handouts, overheads, worksheets, films, flow charts and diagrams
• Use as many verbal descriptions as possible to help students process written material
• Consider using different colours to help students process visual information
• Provide a list of subject terms and acronyms
• Consider recording lectures and seminars
• Repeat and emphasise important information

Students with AD/HD may also benefit from the teaching and learning strategies identified for students with LD. See also the Opening All Options II Resource that includes detailed information about medication and study.