Children, young people and (young) adults with developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD and autistic syndromes such as PDD-NOS and Asperger’s syndrome often benefit from tips for concentration, studying and planning. What techniques exist and which programs work best in the school situation? What tips are useful for teachers who deal with these children, young people or young adults? Format of this article:

• Teacher or supervisor of children with autism, ADHD or PDD-NOS
• Children with autism, ADHD, PDD-NOS in the classroom
• Discuss behavior and consequences with children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS
• What works for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS
• Coach of children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS
• Organizing thoughts for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS
• Mind maps for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Teacher or supervisor of children with autism, ADHD or PDD-NOS

People with ADD, autism or related syndromes/disorders often benefit from tips and support for learning or concentration. At school they can stand out because of deviant behavior, which does not always benefit their concentration, attention and speed of work. What things should you pay attention to as a teacher, coach or supervisor and what techniques are available?

Children with autism, ADHD, PDD-NOS in the classroom

Classroom rules should be clear. For example, hang up pictograms with rules or certain standards. Have children also repeat the rules and check whether they are still clear after a while. It may help to post certain rules on his/her desk. The teacher would do well to explain the structure of the lesson in advance, what does the lesson look like?The child often has an interest in sitting in a place in the classroom where there are the fewest distractions: this can be at the front, near the teacher, or even further away from computers, pencil sharpeners, etc.

Discuss behavior and consequences with children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Explain in advance whether you are going to ignore certain negative behaviors (that are not so disruptive) and why. Paying attention can also be interpreted as a reward and sometimes children have not learned much other than just getting attention for negative behaviors. Sometimes they behave in a (possibly disruptive) way to receive attention. However, the above technique should not teach a fear of inattention: explain why you are going to pay less attention to certain behaviors and remind the person that these behaviors may be disruptive or harmful to others or themselves. This gradually creates greater awareness of one’s own actions and consequences. The goal is to demonstrate socially appropriate behavior as much as possible from autonomy (and therefore not to behave in a certain way out of fear of insufficient attention).Give the child regular, short and clear feedback on school work or behavior. Noticing, rewarding and appreciating good behavior greatly promotes self-confidence, a sense of competence and motivation in students. Vary these behaviors so they don’t become predictable or boring. Appreciate and give frequent breaks: for example, let the child walk around for a while (to pass around or pick up things), pick something up from another classroom or office.

What works for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Many children have an interest in a personal approach, so ask for your own input for optimal performance. Is he/she under fluorescent lights and are they perhaps too bright? Are there annoying noises that can be avoided? Does listening to certain music or sounds (white noise) help? Can he/she concentrate better with a stress ball? in short, in which situations can he/she concentrate best? Are these easy to imitate or look up?

Lesson plan and homework for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Start the lesson with the most important thing, the priority. Students are fresher earlier in the day (or lesson) and can focus and think better. Shortening (physically strenuous) breaks as a possible punishment can be counterproductive: this relaxation through effort actually has a positive effect. Divide homework and information: give it in parts for optimal transfer.Use timers, alarms and other sounds to indicate transitions. This way they are prepared and can switch to something new more quickly. It can also help to agree on a code word with distracted students: when hearing this (recognizable and sometimes funny) word, the student knows that he is wandering off and will be called back to the lesson in a friendly and playful way. .

Coach of children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Are you a PGB supervisor, homework coach or do you otherwise guide someone with the above syndrome? Then, in addition to the above, the following tips will come in handy:

Structure is important for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Make sure you meet regularly, for example on the same day every week (this provides structure and predictability).Children have an interest in (chrono)logical sessions: it helps to discuss in advance what you are going to cover that day and when what will happen.Keep track of progress and communicate this to the child or adult, presenting something visually or using examples/metaphors can help. Work with a schedule and ensure that completed tasks can be checked off. This provides clarity and makes switching points smoother.

Organizing thoughts for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Some children or elderly people indicate that they have difficulty organizing thoughts, even while learning. Sometimes it helps to carry a notepad everywhere they go. This way they can quickly write down the thought (something that still needs to be planned, a message that still needs to be delivered, something they don’t want to forget) so that they can pay attention to it later. This can help you concentrate better at that moment. The same applies to sleep problems or difficulty falling asleep due to persistent thoughts, a notepad / to-do list can help to organize and clarify wandering thoughts.

Mind maps for children with autism, ADHD and/or PDD-NOS

Mind mapping can be very helpful in organizing information. It is also often recommended for people with ADD and autism. With mind maps you create organized images of thoughts or information in your head in your own and creative way.

read more

• Learning and concentration in ADHD and Autism: General tips
• Learning and concentration in ADD, ADHD and Autism: Adults
• 5 relaxation tips to relax now!