021 673 119 margot@wls.co.nz

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is used to describe individuals who have difficulty staying on task. This can be with or without impulsivity. The diagnosis of ADD has been removed with the publication of DSM V. 

There are two main causes of this condition – boredom and confusion. People with ADHD are very intelligent and like dyslexics, are used to disorientating into their own world to be entertained as they usually find school and/or the real world boring. Often a dyslexic child will also appear to be ADHD as they disorientate into their own world while they wait for the feeling of confusion to disappear.

ADHD

 

Because they spend a lot of time in their own world, they miss out on life lessons and classroom lessons. So ADHD can be the cause and a symptom of learning problems.

A person with ADHD can experience time either faster or slower than reality and their understanding of concepts like change and consequence can be flawed or missing. Without a solid understanding of change, our understanding of consequence cannot be concrete. Without this, concepts of cause, effect, before and after cannot be sure. Without an understanding of before and after, understanding of time cannot be attained, nor can concepts of sequence and how to create order be fully understood.

People with ADHD are picture thinkers. They convert language (both oral and written) into a picture or movie, process it and then act. If a negative instruction is given, they will often do the opposite to what is intended. That is because there are no automatic pictures for words like “no”, “not”, “don’t”, “never”. If a picture thinker is told “Don’t run”, the first thing that comes to mind is running, in their impulsivity or eagerness to please, they will implement that picture and do the opposite to what was instructed.

Picture these common instructions without the negative word, and then picture an alternative:

  • Don’t run — Just walk
  • Don’t drink and drive — Always drive sober
  • Never shake a baby — Always treat a baby gently
  • Don’t smoke — Only put stuff in your body that is good for it
  • Domestic violence – it’s not OK — Domestic violence is bad.

Even though there are non-picture words in the alternative wording, the picture created is that which we want to achieve. This makes it easier for the ADHD person to follow the instruction.

The Davis Attention Mastery Programme ensures that the individual has a solid understanding of the core concepts. Each of the concepts is also explored in the real world as all real learning is by experience. Situations that are problematic for an individual are discussed and modeled to assist them to self-discover alternative behaviours that will bring desirable outcomes

Do you want to find out more? Call, text or email Margot to arrange a free initial consultation on 04 478 2208 or 021 673 119 or contact Wellington Learning Solutions

Licensed and certified
by Davis Dyslexia
Association International

Professional services described as Davis, Davis Dyslexia Correction®, Davis Symbol Mastery, Davis Orientation Counselling™, Davis Math Mastery, Davis Attention Mastery, Dyslexia the Gift and Gift of Dyslexia may only be provided by persons who are employed by a licensed Davis Specialist, or who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators by Davis Dyslexia Association International.

Davis Autism Approach® is a trademark of Ronald D. Davis. Commercial use of this trademark to identify educational, instructional, or therapeutic services requires licensing by the trademark owner. For more information go to Davis Autism International.