Child having Attention deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Also known as Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADS)

A boy in my class gets up and runs wild for a few minutes each lesson. Does he have ADHD and what can I do?

Description
ADHD is a medical condition characterized by over-activity, inattention and impulsiveness.

Cause
A chemical imbalance means an ADHD child can't process information in the same way as other children.
The child finds it impossible to organize daily tasks and to see activities through to the finish.

Action

Keep a check on the child's behavior in class, how calm or active they are at different times of day and you may find you get the best of the child's attention a short while after taking their medicine. You may find the worst behavior as it begins to wear off. Be prepared for both scenarios and vary your expectations accordingly.

Priorities
Gaining access to appropriate treatment.

Remembering that the child's behavior is not willful but governed by a chemical imbalance beyond his control. Minimizing the effects of the child's distracting behavior on other pupils.

Varying classwork according to the child's capabilities at that stage in the illness.

Treat the child as a kinaesthetic learner and give him/her active learning tasks.

Alternatives
Parents can be encouraged to look at the whole child and investigate the effects of vitamins and mineral supplements; special diets with supplements such as fatty acids and vitamins; complementary and alternative treatments including visual exercises and biofeedback.

Avoid
Punishment for willful behavior.

Value judgments of good and bad behavior.