A listing of 31 classroom adjustments for students with attention and learning problems are grouped within 9 recommendations of the U.S. Department of Education regarding the needs of these students in general or special education. Principles addressed include structure; effective communication of instructions; behavior management; class…

Functional analyses of classroom disruption were conducted during contingent teacher and peer attention conditions for three children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention provided by peer confederates appeared to function as a distinct form of positive reinforcement for all three children (ages seven and nine). (Author/SW)

Twenty subjects (ages 7-13) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were administered a battery of tests (including the Auditory Continuous Performance Test and the Token Test for Children) twice, first when not taking and then when taking methylphenidate. Results indicated significant improvement in performance on all measures when subjects…

This article discusses classroom strategies used with students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methods for controlling the ADHD child's behavior, and the need for consistency and collaboration between the school and home. (Author/JDD)

This special issue introduction identifies major issues in educating students with attention deficit disorder, including the definition of attention deficit disorder, congressional actions, and Department of Education actions. It also previews articles in the special issue and considers the leadership role of the federal Office of Special…

Guidelines are offered for the differential identification of children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), giftedness, or both. Careful evaluation of the situation and setting in which behavior or attentional problems occur is recommended, as is individual evaluation for children who may be gifted and ADHD. (DB)

Twenty-eight children (ages 5-13) with mental retardation, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness were administered fenfluramine and methylphenidate. Fenfluramine was superior to placebo on the memory task, whereas methylphenidate reduced commission errors on a continuous performance test. Methylphenidate caused shorter response times whereas…

For successful classification of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, major issues include (1) the need for explicit studies of identification criteria; (2) the need for systematic sampling strategies; (3) development of hypothetical classifications; and (4) systematic assessment of reliability and validity of hypothetical…

Describes how a third-grade teacher worked with a child in her class who had attention deficit disorder. The child was easily distracted and frustrated and had low self-esteem. The teacher's sensitivity to his ups and downs and her flexibility in modifying lessons helped the child succeed. (SM)

A study examined the effects of reinforcement contingencies designed to increase the performance of existing reading skills in three boys (age 9) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results showed that a combination of contingencies, modeling, and practice was effective in producing substantial increases in oral reading fluency for all…

Reviews the increased use of Ritalin in the United States and offers some reasons for its growing use. These include public misconceptions about the benign nature of the drug, the political and medical clout of organizations promoting its use, unclear concepts of attention-deficit disorder, and a desire to have children behave compliantly in…

Describes functional assessment as a method teachers can use to develop classroom accommodations and interventions for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Presents a rationale for adopting a functional approach and describes the basic stages and steps of functional assessment and various accommodations and interventions…

Identifies useful Internet sites about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the results of searching these sites to answer common questions concerning incidence of ADHD, basic information about Ritalin drug therapy, educational placement of students with ADHD, sources of information about special needs, and what parents can do at…

Examines whether behavioral rating scales constitute valid measure of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Presents major issues in assessment and cross-cultural assessment of ADHD, and reviews studies that have assessed culturally different groups. The lack of available evidence suggests that the use of behavioral ratings with…

Describes a child-based intervention focused on skills of social entry, maintaining interactions, and solving problems for five boys with attention-deficit disorder. Parents were taught skills of debriefing, problem solving, and goal setting. Behavioral changes were considered socially valid, and all parents and child subjects viewed social skills…