Behaviour Exceptionalities

Characteristics
What to look for
Deviates from normal behaviour in a significant manner Breaks age appropriate social and cultural norms Tendency towards compulsive and impulsive behaviour that negatively effects learning Poor interpersonal relationships/low self esteem Low academic achievement Manifests any/all of above characteristics with frequency, intensity, and durationgenerally additional assistance or intervention is necessary

Ministry Definition: A learning disorder characterized by specific behaviour problems over such a period of time, and to such a marked degree, and of such a nature, as to adversely affect educational performance, and that may be accompanied by one or more of the following: An inability to build or maintain interpersonal relationships Excessive fears or anxieties A tendency to compulsive reaction An inability to learn that cannot be traced to intellectual, sensory, or other health factors, or any combination thereof

Professional Perspectives
Summary of theories that cause the behaviour
Environmental: factors in environment effect the behaviour Psychodynamic: behaviour comes from deep rooted inner turmoil Psychosocial: inappropriate behaviour brought on by relationships with family/peers Behaviourist: deviation is due to learned behaviour (inappropriate role model) Biophysical: deficiencies in genetics, neurology, and biochemistry Combinations: some or all of the above theories appear in combination

Resources Available: Mary Lynn Trotter: AD/HD Counselling

http://adhdtreatmenttoronto.com/

Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elems ec/speced/caring_safe_school.pdf

Canadian ADHD Resource Center

http://caddra.ca/cms4/

Living With AD/HD: BBC Documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=JpX7RQtw4Ac

Child Behaviour Checklist Ages 6-18

http://www.aseba.org/forms/schoolagecbcl.p df

Pine River Institute

http://pineriverinstitute.com/

Child Development Institute

intervention-services/child-and-familyprograms

Manage Environment Sit away from stimuli

While Instructing Simple/Precise Instruction Breakdown Instruction

Organization of Period Prepare fluid shifts and transitions Meet and greet (student check)

Other Support A few rigid rules

Sit beside peer model

Avoid arguments/power struggle

Natural light

Proximity Control (both catalyst and behaviour)

Develop momentum after initial motivation Praise every improvement

Independent study areas

Methods to provide a positive/effective learning environment

Accommodations in the classroom:
Reduction of paper and Pencil Tasks Visual Demonstrations Frequent breaks (Let student move around). One instruction at a time. Reduce distractions Reward positive behaviour (Catch Student Being Good). Concrete Positive reinforcement (IE/ CPU time). Have student repeat instruction Reduce Distractions Study Buddy (Positive Peer Mentorship).

Modifications for Behaviour/ADHD:

Extended time for task completion. Shorter Assignments Credit for class participation (IE In class, E-mail, and Drop box). Reduce Number of question to demonstrate competency. Quality vs. Quantity (reduction) Oral Examination

Teaching Strategies