ADHD
There is a test to diagnose ADHD - True of False
False
What defines childhood obesity?
"a condition in which excessive body fat negatively affects a child’s overall health or well-being across all environments, including home, school and community" OR "an individual with a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender"
The behavioral management classroom approach can only be carried out by the classroom teacher - true or false?
False
What characterizes a DCD?
Difficulty planning and executing motor skills; presents as clumsiness and poor coordination, difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next.
How can sensory strategies help Travis perform more effectively in the classroom?
The goal or primary focus of any sensory strategy implemented into the classroom is to help the student reach the level of alertness/arousal/state of excitement that they need to attend and focus on their learning, follow classroom behaviors, and cooperate/play with peers appropriately.
What is the minimum number of symptoms a child must display for a diagnosis?
6
What are some strategies to give for parents to help their children become healthier?
Suggest various sites to check out (CDC, Obesity Prevention Program)
- Promote healthy lifestyle changes/choices! Encourage a designated dinner time.
- Promote family walks before or after dinner or other activities such as biking - limit sedentary activities. Encourage games such as Wii or Twister. When the family gets involved, it will make the switch easier as opposed to just trying to have Travis change his habits.
- Encourage joining community programs such as the Y, or other various walking groups.
- Ensure adequate sleep
What are some ways we can communicate with Travis’ parents about school activities and at-home progress?
Journaling by parents and OT that is sent back and forth
Weekly or bi-weekly report cards
Having travis’ parents write down what he is having difficulty with at home
What are 2 ways a DCD may impact occupational performance?
Difficulty sequencing ADL tasks, motor planning, excessive amount of time to complete tasks and learn new concepts.
Give an example of a sensory strategy Travis can use immediately in the classroom to self-regulate.
We can give Travis preferential seating, so he can be at the front of the class, minimizing distractions.
The OT can suggest a “quiet space” or “cool down corner” for children like Travis who need to just step away from the sensory overload.
Coping cards; picture of the action, and then one right next to it giving the immediate strategy/coping behavior - ex: child screaming/crying | picture of a stop sign with the caption “Take a break!”
Power cards are another great tool. This uses the child’s interests to help illustrate the intended behavior. These cards can be kept right at Travis’ desk, so he can pull them out whenever needed. Ex: “Pikachu knows it’s hard to stay calm sometimes, but he knows that he has great powers to overcome”
Zones of regulation
What are the three subtypes of ADHD?
Inattentive type, hyperactivity/impulsivity type, & Combined
What is OT’s role in obesity prevention?
OTs focus on participation and reengaging participation in the usual occupations of a child that are affected by obesity: play/leisure, education, social participation, and ADLs, IADLs, sleep, rest, and work.
What are some examples of classroom adaptations for a child with ADHD or a learning disability?
The possibilities are endless :)
What is the connection of DCD and Travis’ learning difficulties in math and writing?
Travis’ difficulty in motor planning may also affect his ability to learn. DCD presents deficits in timing or sequencing of movements, which can result in delays in math and writing challenges. This could mean he has trouble keeping up with the lesson or keeping up with the pace of his peers.
What are some sensory modulation strategies to address Travis’ tactile and oral sensory difficulties, while promoting healthy eating choices, habits and routines?
Make healthy food fun, enticing, colorful. Start out by slowly integrating nonpreferred foods. (Ex: let Travis cut an apple/banana with a shape/cookie cutter.) Start with soft, bland foods with minimal textures. We can also arrange Travis’ plates with one item he does like and pair with an item he doesn’t prefer.
Name at least 3 symptoms of ADD (inattentive type)
Trouble paying attention or easily sidetracked
Doesnt like or avoids long mental tasks such as homework
Trouble staying on task during, at home, or even during play
Disorganized and seems forgetful
Does not appear to listen when directly spoken to
Does not pay close attention to details
Loses things often
Makes careless mistakes
And struggles to follow through with instructions
How can we address the topic of childhood obesity in a way that is effective and informative, but sensitive to this topic?
Explore the parent’s ideas, concerns and expectations regarding food and exercise and gauge a better understanding of their interpretations of this topic - build a picture of what the home environment may look like. Discuss Travis’ issues of height and weight and the information about BMI.
Education to the family about healthy lifestyle changes and habits.
What are some of the side effects of ADHD medications and why is this important to know?
Disordered sleep, stomachaches, headaches, tics, mood swings, decreased appetite, delayed growth, “rebound effect”
What are some of the signs of DCD?
Easily fatigued, difficulty learning new motor tasks, inattentive appearance, “clumsy” “physically awkward”
How can the OTs incorporate Travis’ interests into interventions (watching Buffalo Bills and wrestling, video games)
Buffalo Bill themed sensory bins, Wii sports games
What are the 3 different types of medications that could be prescribed?
psychostimulants, antidepressants, or non-stimulants
How can we prevent secondary mental health conditions as a result of Travis’ childhood obesity?
Any of the following are good strategies: Establish healthy patterns, routines and hobbies. Create a checklist of coping strategies, such as deep breathing. Teaching appropriate ways to stand up to bullying. Educate teacher one ways to create positive learning environments to foster social participation
What are some strategies the OT can use for a “push in” method rather than “pull out”
Incorporate the whole class in fun activities
Maybe going to the classroom after lunch and recess when the students are energized
Observe Travis while interacting with other students
Educate the classroom teacher on inclusive activities that do not single travis out
Work with the child during a study hall or homework hour
What are some areas an OT can help a child with a DCD in?
Fine motor tasks (examples?) Handwriting;
Outside of school - self care tasks;
Motor planning;
Gross motor tasks such as balance and coordination
What is the most appropriate sensory strategy to use with Travis?
Could use any of these as long as you determine what is going to work best with Travis and using your best good clinical reasoning:
Alert program, Hunter and his amazing remote control, zones of regulation, drive thru menus.
Are there any others?