In this week’s show we are discussing ADHD, how people see it, and whether it is a challenge or an opportunity.
My guest is Fintan O’Regan, Fintan is a trainer and consultant for schools and school support systems including, Social Services, Health, the Police and Foster carers. He has worked with a number of organisations including NASEN, Institute of Education, Leicester University, the UK ADHD Network and the European ADHD Alliance. And before this he was a headteacher of a specialiast school for students with ADHD, ASD an ODD. Fintan is a regular here in our studios, he has recorded a number of episodes of the SENDcast, he has recorded a training course for us around Exclusion.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and would therefore be seen by most people as being a challenge and not an opportunity. Indeed some years ago I heard a parent describe to another parent that ADD stood for Attention Devastation Disorder such was the impact on her life. Language is important and as a result I suggest we reframe the term ADHD in a more positive and accurate way. In addition we discuss both the history and future of the term and outline a range of strategies and suggestions to support individuals with ADHD at school and at home.
The SENDcast is created and produce by B Squared. Over the last 25 years B Squared have supported schools to support students with SEND. Over the last few years, we have diversified, for years we have focussed on assessment and this will always be our main focus, but we have seen a lack of high quality, easy to access training and CPD for schools around SEND. Our online CPD offering, started 2 years ago and now includes a range of training courses.
Useful Links
SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The SEN code of practice 2014: what it means for your child | TheSchoolRun
Rona Tutt’s Guide to SEND & Inclusion | SAGE Publications Ltd
O’Regan F (2018) Successfully Managing Children ADHD Second edition :Routledge Falmer Press
O’Regan F (2020) Supporting behaviour in the classroom: Sage publications limited
Contact Fintan
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