I just recently started tutoring this second grade boy, Blake (not his real name) as a part or TE 301. We meet once a week and two weeks ago he could not pay attention, threw the book we were reading and repeatedly told me how much he hated reading. Then at the end of our session the person who is in charge of the aftercare program told me that he forgot to take his ADD medication that day. This week he cooperated and was not only engaged in the book we were reading but also when he had a choice of what to do at the end of our session he chose to read a book on the computer. His increase in cooperation is understandable but how come he enjoyed the reading more? The only possibility I could think of, is that although the book was the same level and even similar topic was that he gets frustrated because he can’t focus and then he just resorts to anger and hating reading. I have been able to grasp that he likes non-fiction books better about thing he is interested in. From what I have gathered I think he likes these books better because it is easier for him to take in information rather than follow a story line.
Medication gets such a bad reputation. Especially when it comes to disabilities such as ADD and ADHD. People struggle with the idea that medication dilutes the personality of a child, and that they might grow out of it without medication. Coming from a special education major, what you saw in the child, how he had a meltdown and threw the book, is a very typical reaction of a child with ADHD. Especially in young kids, it is difficult for students to control their actions and their bodies. They become very impulsive. As you noticed, the medication helped to calm the student down. Medication for ADD and ADHD is extremely helpful for students who struggle in school due to having a difficulty focusing and controlling their bodies. Grades often improve once the correct dosage amount is discovered for the medication. The medication does not control the student though, the medication allows for the student to control themselves.
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