Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Attention deficit and hyperactivity are inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Some signs and symptoms of adolescents with attention deficits are:
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Disorganization
- Impulsiveness
- Carelessness
- Inability to stay seated, i.e. fidgets and wiggles in their seat
- Constant body movements
- Shifting from one uncompleted task to the next
- Poor concentration and difficulty following directions.
- Difficulty adapting to sudden changes
- Talking excessively, loudly, or interrupting by blurting out a comment
Often Attention deficits and hyperactivity are associated with learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and depression. Attention deficits and hyperactivity are, at times, treated with medication, Ritalin being the most common. Medication may reduce the inability for the student to attend and decrease associated behavioral problems. Structure and consistency are important in the treatment of attention deficits and hyperactivity, as well as physical "hands-on" activities that help release the energy and improve the attention span of the students.
Aspen Achievement Academy provides a physically demanding, structured, consistent and "hands-on" approach with all its students. Daily hiking helps release pent up energies and reduce hyper behavior. Consistency and structure in accordance with program rules and scheduled activities allows the students to adjust to the routine and understand expectations for their behavior. Experiential "hands-on" education in the outdoors improves attention and participation while making learning fun. Students experience academic success, often for the first time. They relate learning to real world experiences and have a new appreciation for the value of education.
Students may take prescribed medications in the field, however all medications are held by program staff and must be given under a doctor's supervision.
