Combined Type ADHD: Helpful Strategies For Teachers And Parents To Help Kids Shine

7th April 2023

Combined type ADHD is the most common subtype of ADHD, accounting for approximately 70-80% of all cases. Research reveals approximately 9% of kids between ages 13-18 and it is 4 times more likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls.

A student with ADHD often struggles in paying attention and this often becomes apparent once they start school. And since teachers are the second most influential people in a student's life, they need to work with parents to help these kids cope with their ADHD symptoms. As educators you want the best for your kids, hence there are certain things you must know about combined-type ADHD.

What Is Combined Type ADHD?

Combined type ADHD is most prevalent in individuals that show both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms. It is a behavioral condition that features a variety of symptoms and can have a significant impact on an individual's life. In children, it can interfere with their academic performance, social interactions, and self-esteem. It is crucial to diagnose and treat combined-type ADHD early to prevent these negative outcomes.
 

Source: inspirecommunityoutreach.ca

The exact cause of combined type ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that it is a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Studies have shown that ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition.

Additionally, environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, as well as premature birth, can increase the risk of developing ADHD. Neurologically, ADHD is associated with imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in attention and behavior.

Symptoms Of Combined Type ADHD

The DSM-5 is a medical classification published by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD and it outlines two major sets of symptoms in individuals with combined type ADHD.
 

Source: www.verywellhealth.com

The two sets and their symptoms are as follows:

1. Inattentive Symptoms

Students who predominantly have inattentive ADHD have trouble paying attention and following through with the sessions. Some common symptoms include:
 

• Difficulty in listening or paying attention
• Losing essential items
• Getting easily distracted
• Forgetfulness
• Short attention span
• Absent-mindedness
• Making silly mistakes
• Avoiding focus intended tasks

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms

Students who primarily have impulsive or hyperactive type ADHD their symptoms are more physical. This includes:
 

• Fidgeting or squirming
• Trouble staying seated
• Climbing or running inappropriately
• Inability to remain quiet
• Overly talkative
• Frequently interrupting

5 Strategies For Teachers To Work With Students With ADHD
 

Source: thepathway2success.com

Here are 5 tips to help you deal with combined-type ADHD students in a classroom:

1. Have Consistent Expectations

As a teacher, you must have consistent expectations from your students with ADHD. One of the best ways to do it is to make yourself clear with your students. Assign work that suits your student's skill level because these students tend to avoid that is too long or too difficult for them.

Offer them enough choices for completing their activity to make them more productive and act less negatively. You can also offer visual reminders as they respond well to visual cues and are able to retain the concepts for long.

2. Establish Routines And Rules

Post short and simple classroom rules for both students with and without ADHD. State them positively to convey exactly what you want your students to do. Additionally, establish classroom routines that include row captains checking assignment submissions, homework written on the board, etc. Rules and regulations should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever necessary and they should be posted in a place where they can be easily read.

Furthermore, offer appropriate supervision to your students as they might require you to repeat your rules, expectations, or other instructions for better understanding. You must also keep in mind that they might have heard you but might have misunderstood the meaning, so you need to cross-check to ensure they have gauged everything correctly.

3. Offer Classroom Accommodations

Some students with combined ADHD might need appropriate school accommodations to address their academic challenges. Thus, as educators make sure you offer the right support. Certain accommodations can be as simple as monitoring students' work and developing a strategy to help them not fall behind, accepting late assignments occasionally, and giving them the confidence to get them back on track.

Always ensure to reduce potential distractions as they have a short attention span and find it challenging to concentrate. You can use positive peer models and encourage students to sit near a positive role model to stay away from diverting behaviors. Also, make sure to allow room for movement so they can fidget and move around and permit them to play with small objects even if it feels impractical to keep them engaged.

4. Focus On the Positives

Establish a positive relationship with your students who have combined type ADHD by greeting them by their name or creating a class bulletin board for posting their academic and extracurricular achievements. Provide positive feedback frequently as they respond to feedback that is immediate.

If the student misbehaves have a discussion with them and ask questions rather than punishing them. Pose queries that will make them reflect on their actions to convey the message that their behavior is inappropriate or unacceptable.

5. Partner With Parents

Just you alone cannot make your ADHD students thrive, hence for best results partner with parents to ensure that their kids are ready to learn within the classroom. Communicate regularly with the parents to convey any problems or challenges you might face. If there are any medications for any student, confirm them with the parents and know the schedule.

Keep the parents updated about the student’s progress and ask them to monitor their work outside the classroom to assure that they are not falling behind. Talk to the parents at the end of every semester or as frequently as you want to offer reports and suggestions if any.

Help ADHD Kids Thrive In Life

Kids with combined ADHD symptoms can be a little tricky to handle. However, with a successful school strategy, you might be able to get there. With a complete understanding of ADHD students by pursuing International Teaching Diploma courses combined with the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies you can make a world of difference in the life of these kids and prepare them for a better future.

Written By : Sanjana