About understanding attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which can have a very significant impact on students’ ability to benefit from the school environment and to make progress that reflects their potential.
There are two main characteristics which may exist separately or together:
The course was extremely beneficial, and I would highly recommend it to others. It was delivered in a way which was easily accessible and enjoyable to complete.
Inattention
- Difficulty in sustaining attention in tasks or other activities, leading to mistakes, organisational difficulties, and failure to complete.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Overactive and unable to settle to tasks and activities.
This way of training has created a relaxed and stress-free way of learning, making it easy to learn new skills and further my knowledge.
Course outline
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to progress and achieve at school. The course aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of staff to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of students with ADHD.
This course focuses on:
- definition, characteristics, prevalence and comorbidities of ADHD
- assessing student needs and evaluating the success of interventions
- the development of SMART goals and targeted interventions
- practical strategies for the classroom and the evidence that supports these approaches
- your responsibilities under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
This course is divided into sections.
-
Understanding
Learn about ADHD, including its distinguishing characteristics, its prevalence, and other behaviours that may arise from ADHD. Explore the possible causes of ADHD. -
Assessment for Learning
Understand the need for teachers to assess, and the range of informal assessments that can be carried out in schools. Learn how to assess individual needs arising from ADHD, assess environmental triggers and create your own three SMART goals specific to your student. -
Interventions
Explore a range of interventions to meet the needs of students with ADHD, including managing difficult behaviour, transitions and social skills. Discover the seven ground rules for successful intervention, and devise your own interventions. -
Case Studies
View real examples that illustrate both the student voice, and how experienced teachers may manage ADHD in the classroom.
I have really enjoyed this course. I have found it very informative and the tutor was extremely helpful. It has really opened my eyes and mind and It has made such a difference regarding my role as an educator.
Who is the course for?
Our Understanding Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) course is perfect for those who work in schools with children and young people, such as teachers, teaching assistants, support teachers and school leaders. However, all practitioners who work with children and young people can benefit, including those from health services.
The target age range is compulsory education but the course may also be useful in early years settings. We have also published a short course for parents of children with ADHD who are looking for more support and information.
This course looks at the impact ADHD can have on a student’s life and shows how you can make your classroom and practice more inclusive for these students. You will learn how to further understand the needs of students with ADHD and develop a range of strategies to improve learning outcomes.
Why join the course?
Participants’ pre and post-course evaluations demonstrate significantly increased confidence in identifying, assessing and supporting students with special educational needs.
Ability to implement effective strategies to support students with special educational needs
- Not confident
- Somewhat confident
- Fairly confident
- Very confident
Pre
- 9.6%
- 61.4%
- 27.7%
- 1.2%
Post
- 72%
- 28%
As of February 2021
This course looks at the impact ADHD can have on a student’s life and shows how you can make your classroom and practice more inclusive for these students. You will learn how to further understand the needs of students with ADHD and develop a range of strategies to improve learning outcomes.
What you will learn
On successful completion of the course, participants will:
- know the definition of ADHD and its main characteristics and types
- be aware of the prevalence of ADHD in the population
- have some understanding of what causes these difficulties
- understand the relationship between ADHD and cognition
- know the comorbidities which might accompany ADHD
- be aware of some of the current debates surrounding ADHD
- have a positive perspective on ADHD
- know what screening tools are relevant in assisting in identification
- have an understanding of the principles of assessment
- know how to carry out a behavioural assessment
- have identified three SMART goals for a student
- have an awareness and understanding of a range of strategies to maximise student engagement
- know how to use cues and prompts, rewards and sanctions
- know how to communicate effectively with students with ADHD, and how to develop their social skills
- have an understanding of the value of working collaboratively
- plan and implement a successful intervention strategy to meet the SMART goals they have identified
Check if your school or education system has a licence
Staff can access this course at no cost through their organisation.
Not covered by a licence?
Individual educators can enrol for $300 and receive expert tutor support throughout the course.