The history of teaching can be traced back to 561 BC, when Confucius imparted his knowledge which is still valid and used today. A teacher’s job can feel very unappreciated, yet the impact that one individual can make on a person can change a life for the negative or positive. This statement could hold more weight when you realize that 7.1 million students in the United States require special education services, like students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

For this reason, teachers should be aware of the helpful techniques to assist in maintaining appropriate and helpful control of their classroom. This will allow them to succeed in making the most significant impact on all students present. Here are three experts and their words of advice on how teachers can support their students and the student’s family for success in the school year and beyond. 

  • Utilize and take advantage of the classroom accommodations offered 
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Dr. Russell A. Barkley has been deeply involved in the research of psychology since 1973 and is considered an expert on ADHD as he has devoted his career to its study and the study of other related childhood deficiencies. Dr. Barkley profoundly believes that the best way to provide clear and concise instruction to a child in a learning environment is by ensuring that you are utilizing the tools offered through classroom accommodations. This aids in allowing the teacher to remove everyday interruptions and provide a child with a learning disability, like ADHD, with the key to educational success. 

Standard classroom accommodations include, but are not limited to, providing assignments tailored to the child, extra time on tests, and positive reinforcement and feedback. Classroom accommodations help encourage impulse controls and adequately manage a student with specific learning disabilities. Dr. Barkley offers more free advice on ADHD on his website. He discusses the principles of raising a child with ADHD, more information on the Functional Impairment Scale for ADHD, and so much more.

  • Stay organized and prioritize tasks.
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After 20 years of working as clinical faculty at Yale Medical School, Dr. Thomas E Brown recently opened his clinic in 2017, allowing him to offer his expert assessment and treatment for children with ADHD and other similar learning handicaps. Among his advice is to ensure all parties working with children diagnosed with ADHD understand the importance of maintaining impeccable organization skills and how to prioritize tasks appropriately.

ADHD and other diagnoses like it impair neural circuits that typically operate memory, focus, and action. As an instructor of a child with ADHD and/or ASD, it is of the utmost importance that they possess the ability to help and enforce organization on that student and the student’s family. This helps to reduce chaos and increase the potential for educational success. For more information about Dr. Brown and his services at his clinic, visit the Brown ADHD Clinic’s website. 

  • Encourage Special Interests
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Not just a fantastic way to reward excellent behavior, encouraging special interests allows a teacher the chance to connect distinctly. Educators can get more invested in their students by learning about and encouraging their particular interests. As an autism specialist, educator, tutor, and mentor, Richard Semmens has discovered the importance of focusing on more than just education.

With over 15 years of experience working with children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD, he stresses flexibility and giving the children time and space to discover their interests and desires. Further, he discusses learning and understanding the students, allowing the teacher and family the opportunity to find out what drives the child, building their confidence and reducing their anxieties.

Becoming a teacher needs to be more than just qualifications. Passion and intent are essential for an educator to help instill a focus on the future. For a child with a learning disability, it can be difficult to see where their future may lie. Yet, anyone can overcome this with the proper understanding and assistance from the right people. 

Are you a parent wanting to learn more about your role raising child with ADHD? Check out this post!

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