ADD / ADHD Medication & Programs

Giving Directions – provide visual models; use Do-Say method; I-do we-do you do

Written Assignments – break tasks into small parts; cover up part of work on paper; use scribe; computer speech-to-text; reduce length of assignments; create visual script to help organize

Organization – clear rules; advance planning; visual charts; assignment notebooks; color-coded folders; homework partner; calendar, checklists

Environment – seating arrangements; provide alternative spaces; movement tools and accommodations

Instruction: 504 plans; peer-tutoring; cooperative learning; think-pair-share; learning games; utilization of student strengths to identify modifications and differentiation approaches; computer instruction; transition buddies; increase active learning and engagement strategies

Behavior: non-verbal cues; choice as rewards; visual prompts; teacher proximity; music; praise; corrective feedback; positive teacher-student relationship

Impact of Medication on Behavior and Achievement (by effect size)

• Behavior (0.80)

• Attention span (0.62)

• Lower level tasks – memory and copying (0.34)

• Reduction on social problems (0.30)

• Math productivity (0.08)

• Reading accuracy (0.06)

• Math accuracy (0.03)

Impact of Interventions on Behavior and Achievement (by effect size)

• Social skills programs (0.47)

• Academic interventions (0.46)

• Contingency management programs (0.26)

• Assigning aide to student in classroom (0.02) “Can help reduce pressure on teacher, but does little to enhance learning.”