Rafa Guerrero: “We need to adapt the path of a student with ADHD to their needs”
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children and adults around the world and involves significant learning difficulties. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain development and executive functions, such as the ability to concentrate, impulse control, working memory, and planning.
To better understand what ADHD is and how we can help our students, we spoke with Rafa Guerrero, a psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, PhD in Education, and director of Darwin Psicólogos.
In this article, we’ve gathered some of the main ideas from the webinar with Rafa Guerrero, part of the Learning difficulties series, which you can now watch in full on our YouTube channel (in Spanish).
What is ADHD, really? Classroom strategies with Rafa Guerrero
- ADHD is characterized by slower brain development, especially in the prefrontal cortex, which affects executive functions, but it does not involve intellectual difficulties.
- Diagnosing ADHD is complicated, since many of its symptoms are similar to normal behavior in childhood and adolescence. It must be based on an in-depth evaluation and not just on surface symptoms.
- There’s a myth that electronic devices, video games, and cell phones cause ADHD, but that’s not the case; what we see is a lack of control over stimulation and emotions, which is actually a symptom of ADHD, not its cause.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cannot be cured, but strategies can be put in place to ease the symptoms and help students learn well.
- Understanding brain development in people with ADHD is key. Teachers need training, an unconditional, empathetic outlook, and an understanding of the specific needs of students with ADHD in order to use the right strategies.
- A student with ADHD may spend many more hours than their classmates on homework and studying, and still get lower grades despite their effort.
- It’s a good idea to include brain breaks in the classroom and to provide testing accommodations to level the playing field with other students.
- It’s important not to label students with ADHD by their disorder and instead focus on addressing specific behaviors. Teachers should take care of the student’s self-esteem.
- Collaboration among teachers, families, and health professionals is essential to provide comprehensive support for students with ADHD.
More information, tips, and strategies on learning difficulties
In the Learning difficulties series, we also interviewed Anna Sans Fitó, a specialist in pediatrics and pediatric neurology with more than 30 years of experience in learning-related developmental disorders. You can watch the full interview here. We also welcomed Carmen Alba Pastor, PhD in Education, professor of Didactics and School Organization at the Complutense University of Madrid, and director of EducaDUA, to talk about UDL and supporting diverse learners.
