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ADHD Resources
Practical, evidence-based information about ADHD for parents, educators, and professionals. Free tools and strategies that work in real life.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person regulates attention, activity level, and impulse control. It affects roughly 9% of children and 4% of adults worldwide.
ADHD is not a behavior problem. It is a difference in how the brain develops and functions.
The DSM-5 describes three presentations:
Predominantly Inattentive: Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing, following through.Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting.Combined Presentation: Both types. Most common.
ADHD and Autism: Related but Different
30-50% of individuals with autism also have ADHD. They share executive function challenges but differ: ADHD affects attention/impulse control, autism affects social communication.
Many strategies that help with autism (visual supports, routines, clear expectations) are also effective for ADHD.
Practical Strategies
For Parents Build consistent routines with visual schedules Break tasks into small steps Use timers and countdowns for transitions Set up token boards and reward systems Create a quiet homework station Use specific praise For Educators Provide movement breaks Chunk assignments into sections Pair verbal with visual instructions Strategic seating near instruction Build in choice IEP goals for executive function For Professionals Use functional assessment Reinforce attention, not just compliance Coordinate across settings Track data on specific targets Free Tools
Tool Visual Schedule Builder Create daily routine schedules.
Open Tool Tool Token Board Positive reinforcement system.
Open Tool Tool Behavior Tracker Track attention and task completion.
Open Tool Tool IEP Goals Builder Executive function IEP goals.
Open Tool Tool ABC Data Collection Understand ADHD behavior patterns.
Open Tool Tool Reinforcement Assessment Find what motivates the individual.
Open Tool FAQ
What is ADHD? A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, activity level, and impulse control.
ADHD vs autism? ADHD: attention/impulse. Autism: social communication. 30-50% overlap.
Can ABA help? Yes. Visual schedules, token economies, and reinforcement systems are ABA-grounded strategies for ADHD.
Three types? Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Presentation.
Home strategies? Visual schedules, task breakdown, homework station, token boards, specific praise, movement breaks.
Learning disability? Not classified as one, but affects learning. May qualify for IDEA services or 504 plan.
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Special Learning is an approved BACB ACE Provider (OP-14-2437). The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) does not sponsor, approve, or endorse Special Learning, the materials, information, or sessions identified herein.
