The management of learners diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in special schools.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how educators at schools for learners with special needs manage learners diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Two major themes were investigated, namely, the organisational structure in these schools and the interventions utilised to manage these children. This study has focused on educators in these special schools who teach learners diagnosed with this disorder. A questionnaire was administered to 31 class educators from Grade One to Grade Seven in two of these special schools in the North Durban area. Survey data indicated that educators at these two schools for learners with special needs organised their learning environment so as to facilitate the efficient management of ADHD learners. Educators utilised a range of interventions both inside and outside the classroom. The implications of these findings are for those who teach learners diagnosed with this disorder, as well as those who are involved in designing learning environments and curricula, especially in the South African context.