ADHD
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ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition with patterns of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Topic: Disability categories and conditions
In plain terms
ADHD is diagnosed by a medical or mental health professional, but schools make their own eligibility decision. A student with ADHD may qualify for an IEP under other health impairment, or under another category, if they need specially designed instruction. Students who need only accommodations often have a 504 plan. ADHD often comes with real strengths, such as energy and creativity.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals usually target executive function skills, such as task initiation, organization, planning and self-monitoring, rather than "paying attention." Data methods like latency, duration and momentary time sampling fit these goals well.
Example
A seventh grader with ADHD often misses assignments. A goal targets checking a digital planner at the end of each class, measured by teacher checks in 4 of 5 classes daily.
Related terms
- Other health impairmentOther health impairment is an IDEA category for health problems that limit strength, energy or alertness and adversely affect educational performance.
- Section 504Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that bans disability discrimination in programs that receive federal funds, including public schools.
- Self-regulationSelf-regulation is the ability to manage one's energy, emotions, attention and behavior to fit the situation and reach goals.
- Momentary time samplingMomentary time sampling records whether a behavior is happening at the exact moment each interval ends, rather than watching continuously.
- Latency recordingLatency recording measures the time between a cue, such as a direction, and the moment the student begins to respond.
On IEP Atlas
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