Why ARISE Life Skills Lessons Work for At-Risk Youth With ADHD & Learning Disabilities

Many kids and teens in the juvenile justice system have problems with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Learning Disabilities.

• 1 out of 5 Youths in the Florida Juvenile Justice System has a mental health disorder.
• 90% of the youth in detention reported having at least one traumatic incident.
• The prevalence of PTSD is 8 times higher for youth in the Juvenile Justice System than for youth in general.
• As many as 50% of all teenagers in juvenile facilities have ADHD.
• An estimated 75% of children in the Texas Juvenile Justice System have behavioral health issues.
• According to a 2005 study by Harvard Medical School, the University of Michigan and Casey Family Programs, former foster children are twice as likely to suffer from PTSD as Iraq War Veterans.

The ARISE Foundation’s Life Skills curricula offers much-needed structure and short lessons meant to stir creativity, encourage conversation and let learners absorb information without being judged on grammar, handwriting and spelling. Catching the attention of at-risk and learning disabled youth is a challenge.  Lessons must be entertaining and the trainers must be positive and nonjudgmental. The ARISE Foundation trains juvenile justice staff members how to be mentors to the youth under their care, building relationships and breaking the cycle of mistrust.

A few facts about the ARISE Curricula:

In ARISE Group Activities:

• Instructors give learners simple one-step directions.
• Both verbal and written instructions are given.
• Learners are encouraged rather than criticized.
• Each lesson offers a high degree of interactivity and supportive participation.

Just a few of the subjects ARISE lessons cover:

• Anger Management
• Communication Skills
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
• Gun Violence Prevention
• Domestic Abuse Prevention
• Gang Violence Prevention
• Health & Hygiene
• Owning, Operating & Maintaining a Vehicle
• Finding & Keeping a Job
• Managing your Money
• STD & Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• and much more.

To schedule a staff training, get more information, download free materials and learn more about the ARISE Foundation, please visit the ARISE Website.

Teaching & Motivating Youth with ADHD/ADD and Learning Disabilities, brought to you by ARISE Life Skills & Training

Building a rapport with a learning-disabled, frustrated child or teen starts with tailoring your teaching style to their special needs. ADHD/ADD is a neurological disorder that impacts individuals in four main categories:

1. Attention: youth with ADHD/ADD have trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks, especially if they are not interested in them.
2. Impulsivity: lack of self-control can cause impulsive behaviors and choices.
3. Hyperactivity: many kids and teens with ADHD are “bouncy,” hyperactive, restless and on-the-go.
4. Boredom: Unless a task is very stimulating, those with ADHD/ADD often get bored easily.

ARISE lessons are specifically designed for people with difficulty reading, writing and staying focused. All guided group discussions and activities are structured, interactive, to-the-point and easy-to-understand.  Forget about boredom and acting out! These dynamic lessons will get even the most reserved students involved and learning about anger management, conflict resolution, job search and interview skills, health and hygiene, nutrition and exercise and much more.

Here are 15 ways to teach and connect with these unique, and often very bright, youth.

1. Give simple one-step directions.
2. Give both verbal and written instructions.
3. Maintain eye contact when giving instructions.
4. Help learners get started on an activity, then encourage them to complete the activity on their own.
5. When you ask a question, allow extra time for them to answer.
6. Encourage rather than criticize.
7. Focus on and praise positive behavior. Catch them doing good things and compliment them immediately. Praise and reinforce ALL good behavior: not interrupting, being patient, remaining seated, cooperating, participating in group activities.
8. Be sure they understand that it’s OK to ask for help.
9. Have them sit up front with their backs to other learners.
10. Let them doodle; it helps them focus and pay attention during quiet activities.
11. Hyperactive behaviors when seated are a release for the hyperactivity. It’s best to ignore them unless they are distracting for other learners.
12. Use activities that allow and encourage movement. Let the ADHD learner distribute and collect materials or erase the board.
13. If reading aloud frustrates them, do not ask them to do it.
14. Move closer to them when you want to get their attention.
15. Tell them what you want them to do, not just what NOT to do.

For more information, or to order from the ARISE curricula, please visit http://www.ariselife-skills.org or call 1 (888) 680-6100.