Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Intervention: Strategies & Counselling Tips for Primary School Teachers.

Abstract

This paper addresses attention deficit hyperactivity disorder intervention strategies for primary school teachers. Wrong labelling of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has given rise to this paper. Hitherto not much attention has been given to the pupils who manifest symptoms of this chronic behavioural disorder even when they are going through difficulties in the learning process. The need for teachers’ intervention strategies has been extensively discussed in this paper with a view of developing an intervention programme in other to promote care and support for the pupils who manifest symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended among other things that teachers’ knowledge should be enhanced to equip them to enable them give care and support to ADHD pupils in the learning process and make referral when necessary. There is an urgent need to include in the curriculum of Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria institutions Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder its symptoms and management strategies. Also Counselling units should be established in primary schools in line with the provisions in the National policy on Education this will reduce most of the problems ADHD pupils face during learning process.

Key words: Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Disruptive Behaviour Disorder Rating Scale (DBD), Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Primary school pupils