the educator mag May 24 (1) - Flipbook - Page 32
Undiagnosed ADHD:
how to spot and support it
By Leanne Maskell
ADHD isn’t just for naughty little boys
disrupting the class - it often goes
undiagnosed, especially for people from
marginalised backgrounds.
As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental
condition, it’s extremely relevant for
students who are being judged against
meeting standardised criteria such as
exam results.
However, with years-long NHS waiting lists
for assessment, it’s very difficult to access
a diagnosis - but this isn’t necessary to
provide support.
Here’s how the 30% developmental delay
in executive functioning skills linked to
ADHD may show up in students, and how
educators can help:
1.Self-awareness
People with ADHD may struggle with
understanding their needs and
experiences which can result in burnout.
We may also struggle to ask for help or
know what kind of things to ask for.
Educators can support this in their
students by helping them understand
what works for them and facilitating this.
For example, my teacher always
encouraged me sit at the front of class,
which enabled me to concentrate!
Building in extra mentoring or
coaching support means students have
extra support to assist them with identifying potential challenges, strategies and
breaking learning down into chunks.
2. Impulsivity
People with ADHD may have a tendency to ‘act before
thinking’. This means students may be more prone to
impulsive decisions, such as saying things they may later
regret and getting into trouble.
This could also manifest as both physical and mental
hyperactivity, with students getting up and moving around,
or ruminating internally. We may be easily distracted, as our
brains are constantly seeking dopamine, and struggle with
organisation.
Educators can support this by providing clear frameworks,
timeframes, and expectations, making allowances where
needed. If a student is repeatedly getting into trouble or
making mistakes, instead of blaming them, try having a
conversation about why this is happening. No one wants to
do a bad job!
