Who is in control?
Outline:
ADHD has almost become a “buzz” word and comfortable “label” for those leaners that are difficult in class. It is important to know that ADHD is diverse in its nature and can affect boys and girls differently. Girls are often underdiagnosed because their behaviour is not as robust as that of boys. With the increase of learners being diagnosed as ADHD it is important to know what that diagnosis means for brain functioning and how it affects learning. The common “solution” is to medicate a learner who has been diagnosed, but there is an increase in parents who want to look for alternatives to medication or who want to manage the side-effects more effectively. The workshop is aimed at assisting therapists to make recommendations to parents to support them in managing ADHD and looking for the brilliance in these learners!
Aims of the workshop:
- Understanding the prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents.
- Understanding ADHD and the executive functions of the brain.
- Diagnostic issues regarding ADHD.
- Discussion on the different types of ADHD.
- Understanding of how ADHD manifests within boys and girls.
- Discussion on how to minimize side-effects of ADHD medication and using it effectively.
- Understanding on how to guide parents who choose a more natural route to manage ADHD.
- Discussing recommendations for parents and the school in managing a learner with ADHD.
Outcomes of the workshop:
After completion of the workshop the participants will be able to:
- Have a clearer understanding of the different types of ADHD and how it affects the brain.
- Be able to identify the different ADHD behaviors as it manifests in boys and girls.
- Understand the guidelines to minimize ADHD side-effects from medication.
Be able to give recommendations to manage ADHD at home and school.