Learn vocabulary with ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD, short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neurobiological developmental disorders in childhood and adolescence. In many cases, it also persists into adulthood.

The core symptoms of ADHD include:

• lack of attention,
• impulsivity,
• and in many cases an above-average activity.

In addition, there are numerous others Side symptomsthat can occur. These include, for example:

• Organizational difficulties, such as completing everyday tasks or meeting deadlines,
• low stress and frustration tolerance,
• inner restlessness,
• depressive mood drops
• and many more.

These abnormalities can be pronounced to varying degrees. In addition, not every child who is inattentive and restless suffers from ADHD. For clarification, it is important to contact psychologists or diagnostic centers people who have experience with ADHD. If it is detected early on what exactly is wrong with the child, many problems can arise with appropriate therapeutic treatment be toned down and life made easier for everyone involved. Eine undetected ADHD On the other hand, it can have a fatal effect on the child's future life and impair private and professional fulfillment.

💡 Just nervous or crippling anxiety? Find out more about the typical signs of test anxiety with children

How many are affected by ADHD?

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany has approximately 2 to 6 percent of all children and adolescents affected by ADHD. According to the diagnostic system for mental disorders, the figure for adults is around 2.5 - 4.5%.

How does ADHD develop?

ADHD is severe hereditary: First-degree relatives (mother, father or child) are particularly likely to be affected by ADHD at the same time. This is a genetic predisposition One of the main reasons for the presence of ADHD. But also external influences They probably play a role. These include complications during pregnancy or childbirth, family instabilities and other psychosocial influences. These factors can further aggravate existing ADHD.

Are there really more boys with ADHD than girls?

It was previously assumed that boys were more likely to suffer from ADHD, which is why 3 to 4 times more of them are diagnosed in childhood than girls. Today is doubted this imbalance. The typical symptoms of ADHD were often examined and recorded primarily on the basis of male test subjects: Hyperactivity, impulsivity and the tendency to disruptive behavior are particularly visible, which is more likely to lead to earlier detection and diagnosis.

girls with ADHD On the other hand, they are more likely to have inward symptoms such as daydreaming, forgetfulness and inner restlessness. Your symptoms may misinterpreted as shyness or disinterest become. As a result, girls with ADHD are often overlooked or mistakenly regarded as less affected. As a result of socialization, female patients also try harder than men to adapt in order not to stand out. The permanent so-called”masking” The symptoms of ADHD may increase over time states of exhaustion and lead to impulsive outbursts, which in turn can result in depression, anxiety and addictive disorders.

This research and detection deficit among female patients requires heightened awareness for other symptoms that may indicate ADHD.

Are kids with ADHD lazy?

ADHD has metabolic disorders in the brain that lead to the symptoms mentioned above. While it is easier for other children to focus attention on one thing, it requires a child with ADHD massive effortsto maintain them. Even the so-called”executive dysfunction” prevents them from starting and completing tasks. This is not laziness, as is often interpreted by adults, but simply a Brain metabolism disorder. These are allegations that all children with ADHD are likely to hear: “Don't be so lazy!” , “Don't act like that!” and “It's not that difficult, just start!”

Such ill-considered statements result in significant Decrease in self-esteem from those affected and the feeling that they are not “good enough.” An ideal breeding ground for later mental illnesses! It is therefore very important that parents and other caregivers understand the causes of ADHD and the associated functional disorders in the brain, and empathy develop for children's problems.

💡 Are grades getting worse? Read our 10 tips for good grades

ADHD in school

For students with ADHD, the school environment is particularly challenging. The requirements for Self-organization, that silent sitting And the continuous concentration clash with core symptoms of ADHD. The consequences of this can be:

• loss of academic performance,
• low self-esteem,
• conflicts with teachers,
• Difficulties in building and maintaining friendships.

The positive sides of ADHD

So far, we've reported a lot of negative things about ADHD. But we would like one here Change of perspective Suggest: Most problems do not necessarily arise from ADHD itself, but from a completely unsuitable environment, in which neurodivergent personalities such as ADHD sufferers cannot develop. Rigid, authoritarian structures and punitive communication make them feel inadequate and useless for the community. Yet it is precisely this diversity of personalities that is important for a diverse society.

💡 What is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is still a fairly recent term that is intended to illustrate that neurobiological differences between people are completely normal appearance are. According to this concept, the differences should not necessarily be regarded as deficiencies or diseases, but as natural variations of human experience and thus to a higher acceptance by people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia or dyscalculia, for example.

People with ADHD are often special creative, intuitive, and have the ability outside established thought patterns to think. These strengths can be found in creative professions, with problem-solving tasks and in dynamic work environments be particularly beneficial. If children with ADHD are also really enthusiastic about a job, they can spend hours doing it and perform excellently.

💡 By the way, this focus on a specialist area or on an activity that inspires people with ADHD is called”hyperfocus”. This can contribute to personal fulfillment, but that should Self-management Learn in such highly concentrated phases: pay attention to your own needs, take breaks and don't forget to eat and drink enough!

These positive aspects of the diagnosis can help affected children cope better with it. In later development, they should be encouraged to shape their lives in such a way that these strengths Optimally lived out can be.

What to do if you suspect ADHD?

Should you notice any abnormalities in your child that lead to social or school problems , it makes sense to go to a child or adolescent psychologist. On the Internet, you can also find Counseling centersif you're unsure about how to get started If there is a diagnosis, there will be a few forms of treatment In question: drug therapies, behavioral therapy and learning individual learning strategies.

The aim of treatments should be:

• which self-regulation skills to improve
• one supportive learning environment to create
• which The joy of learning bring back.

10 tips for learning vocabulary with ADHD

1. Do short sessions rather than long learning marathons

Use the tendency to short attention spans to your advantage by completing the learning units on 10-15 minutes be limited. Short, intensive learning blocks with breaks in between can increase effectiveness.

🍅 Bonus tip: Pomodoro Technique: The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves focusing on a task for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four such phases of work, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes is taken. By the way, Pomodoro is Italian and means “tomato”: The inventor of this technique used a kitchen alarm in the shape of a tomato to measure time. Try out this technology - you can also find suitable apps in the app stores.

2. Try out learning apps

Digital learning aids such as apps and online platforms that include playful elements and reward systems can make learning vocabulary more attractive for children with ADHD.

💡 Bonus tip: Many learning therapists recommend the CABUU app as a vocabulary trainer for children with educational needs. Read more about why.

3. Learn with pictures

The use of colors, images and mind maps helps to anchor vocabulary in memory. Visual stimuli improve memory of words and their meanings. You can use this advantage in such a way that you completely learn the vocabulary pictorially presents or a sketch on the index card or in the vocabulary book. With many apps (such as ours CABUU app) are there also suitable Graphics or animations for every word.

4. Move while studying

Exercise improves concentration and reduces stress. Learning vocabulary while walking, jumping or with other easy movement exercises can promote the absorption of the learning material. Also try to incorporate small activities during study breaks.

💡 Did you know that already? Gestures and movement are very well-researched tools for learning vocabulary. Find out more about it here!

5. Learn with plan and routine

A fixed learning plan helps to structure the day and makes learning predictable. It reduces anxiety in front of the unknown and promotes concentration. You can do bigger tasks in small intermediate steps Divide so that they look more manageable and not as overwhelming anymore.

6. Reward yourself

Small rewards after goals have been achieved increase motivation. It can be as simple as a short break, a snack, or a small activity that the child likes.

7. Try it out with music

For some children, a soft background music or Ambient sounds be helpful in creating a calming learning environment. Just search online for ADHD Playlists and just test it out!

8. It's better to learn tidy

A quiet, tidy Learning environment free of distractions is important to promote concentration. Small boxes or containers on the desk help create space for utensils lying around.

9. Talk to each other

Regular monitoring of your own progress and adapting learning strategies will help you make the learning process more effective. Talk to your child regularly about what they like and what other options you can try out.

10. Stay positive and calm, even when sagging

Praise and recognition For the effort and not just for the results, strengthen your child's self-esteem and maintain motivation. If things don't go so well on some days, adjust the learning strategy by taking more breaks or postponing more difficult tasks if possible. If there is permanent frustration, it could otherwise result in a Learning block come, which sets you back even more than the short breaks do.

‍Learning Therapy Bonus Tip: Learning therapy helps teach children special techniques and strategies to improve their concentration and self-control. It also brings exoneration for parents and loved ones. Trained learning therapists also help to improve communication with teachers and to enforce the child's needs.

Learning vocabulary with ADHD is a challenge, but with appropriate strategies and support, children and adolescents can become successful at school and satisfied in their private lives. The combination of structured routines, visual aids, interactive techniques and the integration of movement helps you to significantly facilitate the learning process. It is important that Focus on strengths and individual abilities Each child to lay and a positive, supportive learning environment to create.

💡 Do you find the topic interesting? Then read more about the topic of support needs among children here.

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