by Mehida Gonzalez Carrasco

In the past, it seems, folks just labeled disruptive kids and hoped they’d go away. Fortunately, today many young persons have the benefit of knowing what’s wrong. Various disorders cluster under the ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) umbrella. Many of these are treatable through medication, but many youth also need additional help.

Adults who work with youth may simply know "the kid has problems" or "he must not have taken his meds." However, there are important ways of relating to the young person and structuring activities that will make a difference to everyone. Here are some suggestions. These ideas make sense for all youth, not just those who have attention deficit or hyperactive problems.

Attitude

We are the church! We need to reflect Christ in our attitude toward even the most seemingly-unlovable (at this moment) person.

• Accept the youth–with all his or her problems.


• Treat each person with dignity. No sarcasm or put-downs.


• Be encouraging.


• Help the youth build a relationship with you or with another adult in the leadership team.


• Cultivate a positive attitude within the whole group toward one another.

Activities

These directions make sense for all youth, not just those who have attention or hyperactive problems.

• Set up creative learning opportunities.


• Employ hands-on and interactive techniques.


• Cultivate artistic talent and expression.


• Use various media, including visual aids.


• Allow variety in ways of responding–drawing, writing, moving, and so forth.


• Permit the young person to stand or move around while working.


• Keep activities short and varied.


• Break tasks into small steps and give directions in each step.


• Keep directions simple and concise.

Assistance

Young persons with ADHD will benefit from some specific help.

• Minimize distractions. Some youth can work with music blaring and six small groups in the same room, but not youth with ADHD.


• Supervise transitions. Going from Sunday school to worship may need to be more structured.


• Develop a behavior contract with the particular youth. You may already have one for the group that will work.


• Determine trigger points for inappropriate behavior and avoid them.


• Acknowledge positive behavior; ignore minor infractions.


• Create a private signal between the two of you. Use it as a simple reminder to stay on task.


• Provide a peer mentor. Every youth needs a friend. Friends help each other.


• Provide counseling. Use the church’s network to make sure the youth has appropriate professional help available.


• Help others understand. Pastor, staff, volunteers, other adults who come in contact with the youth need to know the problem and how they can make life better.


• Stay in touch with parents. Sometimes they are lonely in their concern. They need the support of knowing others care and are helping. They can provide insight for people who work with their child.

Mehida Gonzalez Carrasco is an ordained deacon serving as a school counselor. She works with elementary children and with high school youth. She is a member of St. Paul’s/El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church in Lowell, Massachusetts.

From YouthNet, © 1998 The United Methodist Publishing House. This material may be reproduced for educational purposes.