All children get fidgety or impatient from time to time. Now and then, their attention wanders or they need to run around and blow off steam. But when inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour are the norm for a child, it may be a sign of ADHD. ADHD can lead to problems at home and at school, with family, teachers, and peers, so it’s important to identify the symptoms and get help.

What is ADD or ADHD?

 Attention deficit disorder (ADD) affects children across the spectrum of race, class, gender, and age. Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a neurological condition that makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses - responses that can involve movement, speech, and attentiveness.

 Not all children with ADD/ADHD have the same problems. Some are hyperactive, while others sit quietly (with their attention miles away). Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive but overly impulsive. Still others have significant problems in all three areas.

By the end of the workshop participants will have a better knowledge of ADD/ADHD as they will be able to identify and recognize the traits of ADD and ADHD. At the same time, participants will be able to understand some of the challenges students with ADD/ADHD face and how they can overcome these challenges.

The workshop also aims to provide participants with strategies for teaching children with ADD/ADHD. They will also be able to better understand and help individuals with these difficulties as tips and basic methods on how to manage children with ADD/ADHD will be explained in the course of the workshop.

Mr Prakalathan has over 10 years of experience as a special education teacher in America and in Singapore. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Masters in Special Education, and was placed in the Dean’s honour roll for the former and the President’s Honour roll in the latter. From 1994-1999, he worked as a special education teacher in America, where he taught children with multiple disabilities such as autism, mild mental retardation, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit with hyperactive disorder as well as severe learning disabilities. From 1999, he has served as special education teacher and Vice Principal of Genesis Special School, where he develops individualised education programmes (IEP) in collaboration with parents and therapists, and also designs behaviour programmes for children with special needs, amongst his other teaching and administrative duties. He currently runs his own Special Needs School.

Date: Mon, 10 November 08     Deadline: 17 October 2008

Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm 

Venue: Singapore Teachers Union, 162 Tagore Avenue (S) 787752

Fees: Standard rate - $220, STU-members discounted rate - $150                                                                                     

(Registration fees inclusive of course materials,  tea-break, lunch and prevailing GST.)