Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
refers to a neurological condition in children that can lead to hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
ADHD can significantly hamper the learning abilities of children, if proper guidance and support is not
offered to them. Since children spend a majority of their time in schools, it becomes essential that the
teachers support parents in dealing with this disorder.
Alderwood Toronto Private School (ATPS) runs a specialized ADHD program to ensure that children dealing with
this issue are provided with a conducive-to-learning environment. ATPS is known for its student-oriented
academic curriculum that is designed as per the strengths, weaknesses and learning styles of the students.
Integration of technology with the curriculum widens the scope of learning for the students in this school.
Along with all of these facilities, ATPS also boasts highly skilled and experienced faculty who assist in
implementing programs such as the ADHD program.
Teaching children with ADHD can be a challenging task and it becomes essential for the teachers to recognize
this condition as a difference and not as a disorder. Due to this difference, children with ADHD need to be
treated differently when compared to other children. The ADHD program offered in this school is supervised by
teachers who have received extensive training in this aspect. These teachers are experts at recognizing
individual differences, providing challenges, promoting growth and involving students in an active learning
environment.
Since no two children with ADHD would behave in the same manner, it becomes essential to devise an
individualized curriculum for each student. In the ADHD assistance program offered by ATPS, appropriate
instructional practices are selected for each student for his or her maximum benefit.
The ADHD program in ATPS is not just based only on academics, but includes various other aspects as well.
Behavioural interventions form a significant constituent of the ADHD program in this school. Behavioural
interventions aim to ensure that students with ADHD learn to behave in a way that is beneficial for their
learning. It is an accepted fact that by praising students when they act appropriately, it can significantly
improve their behaviour in the long run. It is for this reason that the teachers at ATPS closely monitor the
progress of each child and praise them verbally from time to time.
Faculty at ATPS realize the fact that assistance in the form of the ADHD program can be much more effective
than medication. Not only will such assistance improve the learning ability of the students, but it will also
instill appropriate behavioural habits in them. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that all the progress
of the students in this program is conveyed to the parents. This ensures that the parents are able to
complement the ADHD program in school by appropriate teaching at home as well. The end result of ADHD
assistance program is that the students will be able to manage their condition and participate in classroom
activities in a much more effective manner. •