In Mark 16:15, Jesus instructed us to preach the gospel to all creation –  which includes the child with ADHD.  Will al those who are “perfect” please rise?  Did you stand?  Of course not!  We all have imperfections.  Many times we have difficulty looking past the external to see the person inside.  If we follow Jesus example, we see He built His Kingdom with broken reeds.  Jesus handpicked leaders with “special needs and disabilities.”  Let’s take a look at one “imperfect” Bible character that had all the classic characteristics of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Peter.

If Peter, “The Rock,” was labeled with his disability: today, it might look something like this…

Characteristics of Peter might include:

·         Hyperactivity – excessive movement, talking before thinking, interrupting

·         Short attention span – easily distracted during the storm

·         Difficulty delaying gratification

·         Social skill difficulties – refused to eat with Gentiles and betrayed his friend, Jesus

·         Difficulty seeing the big picture – instead of going into all the world, Peter wanted to build three temples on the Mount of Transfiguration

·         Difficulty staying on task – fell asleep while on duty

·         Visual learner – needs visual, hands-on experiences – While Peter prayed on the house top, God lowered an animal-filled sheet to make His point

·         Poor eye contact – took his eyes off of Jesus while walking on water and sank

·         Easily overwhelmed – ran away when things got tough

·         At times needed peaceful sounds or places (especially water) for calming effect – went fishing during stressful time

·         Very intense emotionally – way up or way down, all or none, extremely loving one moment, “I will lay down my life for you,” the next, he might betray you or even cut someone’s ear off!  Which brings us to his next characteristic…

·         Impulsive  - acting without thinking of the consequences.

Teaching the child with AD/HD about Jesus

·         Get to know the child.   Discover likes/dislikes.  Learn from the parents teaching techniques that work best for their child.

·         Make class interesting – Be early, prepared, and excited about what you will be presenting.  Hands-on activities can often be successful.  Be aware of the child’s learning styles.

·         Don’t negotiate with the child.  Think about your answers before giving them.

·         Use “cool” secret signals to help with focusing – a hand signal or tapping a pencil.  The signal will be decided ahead of time and discussed with the child.

·         Structure and routine are important.  Boundaries and limits are comforting.

·         An additional teacher can help keep the child focused, calm, and on the task.

·         Instructions should be short and to the point, using eye contact.  Have the child repeat important instructions back to you.

·         Be aware that some of your toughest days are when there is a change in the schedule – special events or holidays, a visitor or substitute in the classroom.

·         A schedule or simple classroom rules may be posted.

·         Give definite answers.  Avoid words such as, “wait”, “maybe”, “later”, or “we’ll see.”  If the answer is “no”, say, “no”.  If you do not know, give a time when you will have an answer.  The question will continue to whirl through the mind of the child with ADHD until some type of an answer is given.

·         Avoid ending requests with, “ok”?  Example, I need you to pick up our toy, ok?

·         Set short-tern time goals, such as, “You may ask questions at the end of the story.”

·         Give assignments in smaller segments

·         Allow additional transition time.

·         Pair with a peer buddy who is a role model

·         Don’t allow your emotional level to escalate with the child’s.  Remain calm and repeat expectations in a non-emotional tone or even a whisper.

·         Redirection or the use of humor can help quiet an escalating moment.

·         Protect the child’s self-esteem.  Eighty percent of the feedback received by a child with ADHD is negative.  Be specific with your praise.

·         Pray for wisdom, strength, patience and the child and his family.

Every child needs to be accepted and feel God’s love shown to him through others as they learn about Jesus in a safe, loving envionment.