I’m astounded that people think this disorder actually doesn’t exist!
My son was tested for it by several leading doctors. One of them has a computerized program that tracks head movements and focusing capacity. He had a much higher statistical rate of head movements than a typically developing child and had a very narrow span of time that he was able to focus (minutes). This can be really challenging for a teacher and their student who is very intelligent and academically capable yet limited in this way.
Many ultra caring teachers lack the resources to invest in kids who need extra attention for their lack thereof.
Having a good heart and motivation is not sufficient to enable teachers to help these kids. Knowledge is required.
Misbehavior can sometimes be incorrectly or prematurely labeled ADHD. In fact, ODD can often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD, but not always. That’s why diagnosing it properly is so imperitive, both for the child/family and the school.
My son was suspected as being a troublemaker until an official diagnosis came in. At that points all involved developed a different perspective of him and began seeing him as a child who truly wants to please others, but has difficulty doing so and needs supports.
IMHO, important things for teachers to remember is that kids with ADHD are often academically very capable and should be held accountable (within reason). That means, expect them to do their work, but if you and other teachers give huge amounts, take into account it can take a kid two to three times as long as another kid to do it, so you might need to set your expectations in accordance by accepting a reduced quantity of work from the home (especially in a yeshiva where kids might not return home till 5/5:30 and have to bathe, eat dinner, and do homework, and get to bed by 7:30/8 ifthey’re young.
Keeping in contact regularly with parents to let them know how their kids are doing is very important. No one likes surprises, but most especially parents of kids who might need extra supports (and similarly, parents need to reach out to teachers).
Responsibilities that include recalling tasks (handing in papers daily) can be extra challenging, and can be easily resolved by a one word prompt (homework) or assigning a supportive buddy.
I would love to hear from educators their perspective.