The Editor, Sir:

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) seem to be a problem for educators and students in Jamaica. If that's the case I would like to know what the Ministry of Education is doing with students diagnosed with these disorders. An article appeared in The Gleaner about two weeks ago in which the idea of drug treatment was recommended to treat children with these disorders.

Before we begin to medicate our children, we must understand the symptoms of these disorders and use modifications. If modifications do not work, then medication could be considered. Children with ADD and ADHD have difficulty paying attention or staying on task, have problems finishing assignments, are easily distracted, interrupt or intrude on people, fidget with hands or feet or squirm when seated, feel restless and among other symptoms. These symptoms are found mainly in boys.

Suggestions

The following recommendations could be utilised by teachers:

1. Implement teaching strategies to accommodate the disorder.

2. Lessen abstract work and get students to do more concrete work.

3. Change the seating arrangement.

4. Shorten assignments.

5. Offer rewards instead of punishment.

6. Time assignments and

7. Allow the student to leave his/her seat to stretch for a few minutes. If modifications do not work then counselling or medication may help the student.

Educating teachers and parents about these disorders should be a priority of the Ministry of Education.

I am, etc.,

MARION PRYCE-WHITE

whitemarion@verizon.net

North Carolina, USA