Helping adults deal with their behaviour challenges

Quite often behaviour difficulties can interfere with effective classroom and one-to-one tutoring interactions, the completion of tasks and management of assignments/homework. Many of the characteristics are associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. However, as cautioned throughout the training, practitioners are not in the position to offer a diagnosis to learners. They should only help learners be aware of their weaknesses and develop strategies with learners to assist them in either improving their skills or managing the challenges through the use of accommodations.

Adults with ADHD may exhibit the following characteristics

• In a small group or classroom setting learners may:
  • Interrupt or answer out of turn
  • Be unable to take good notes
  • Have trouble with commands or instructions
• While doing homework or working on tasks learners may:
  • Have trouble concentrating
  • Be inattentive to details or make little mistakes
  • Forget things like turning in their homework

Helpful strategies to deal with the behaviours

• To help follow instructions
  • Simplify instructions to just one or two and build from there.
  • Encourage learners to break down assignments and to ask for clarification when necessary.
• To contribute in class and reduce interrupting
  • Encourage learners to write down their questions or comments on paper before speaking.
  • Encourage them to stop and think before blurting out answers or practice raising their hands before volunteering (only if appropriate to the setting).