Some helpful tips to help deal with the hyperactivity symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as attention deficit disorder.

I started this list several years ago and have added to it every so often. It was originally started as a handout to give to teachers. However, I have modified it slightly to make it more applicable to a wider range of individuals. More information about ADHD hyperactivity symptoms, please see my article entitled Spotlight on Hyperactivity.

1. Do not try to reduce activity; just channel it into acceptable avenues: walk around, go to the restroom, do 30 jumping jacks, etc.

2. Monitor when you start a project and when stop and then try to increase this time gradually. Slowly increase your quiet periods.

3. Make sure you are getting a change in activity frequently and are not working too long at one task.

4. Begin an exercise program. Studies show that engaging in aerobic activities such as running for at least 20 minutes a day reduces problems with hyperactivity during the day.

5. Turn the problem into a goal. After specifically identifying a problem behavior, select an enforcer and establish with a plan to help achieve it. Enroll friends and family to help you make that goal.

6. Have the student record his restless behavior. Each time he fidgets or feels restless, have him place a tally mark on a piece of paper. At the end of the day, let him plot the number of occurrences on a chart. The student attempts to beat the daily tally during the next day in order to receive a reward.

7. Alternate physical and mental activities.

8. Take/provide short break between tasks.

9. Invest in quiet fidget items (stress balls, anything nerf) that you can use to help yourself focus.

10. Be active as much as you can. Walk around the room when talking on the phone, stand up as much as possible. Be flexible (and not sitting in your desk) in the way you are working will help reduce the hyperactivity.

For Teachers and Students:

11. Use physical activity and hands-on materials in teaching whenever possible.

12. Let them work on the floor, while standing or in the hall.

13. Give the student every possibility to get out of his/her seat appropriately.

14. Let the student work off some energy so that he can concentrate better. Offer a chance for physical activity between each lesson.

15. Work with the entire class on proper behavior during discussions to help prevent the ADHD student from blurting out answers and interrupting classmates. For example, during question and answer have everyone put one hand over their mouth until they are called on.

16. Gear activities so students have the opportunity to move around.

17. Excuse the students if they are overactive or simply tired of working. Let them go get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, or have them run an "errand." (If you don't have an errand, have a system with the office where the student can take a note to someone who signs it and returns it to you. The student doesn't need to know it wasn't a "real" errand.)

18. Give the student appropriate verbal and motor responses to make while waiting. For example, instead of tapping their pencil on the desk (which is noisy) have them tap it on their leg (which is quiet).

19. Have the student record his restless behavior. Each time he fidgets or feels restless, have him place a tally mark on a piece of paper. At the end of the day, let him plot the number of occurrences on a chart. The student attempts to beat the daily tally during the next day in order to receive a reward.

20. Have the student record his restless behavior. Each time he fidgets or feels restless, have him place a tally mark on a piece of paper. At the end of the day, let him plot the number of occurrences on a chart. The student attempts to beat the daily tally during the next day in order to receive a reward.

21. Have the student do the undesirable behavior and then stop. An example would be to have the student wiggle for 10 seconds and then stop for five minutes.

22. Let the student know in advance about future tasks that will require extra control.

23. Give student frequent opportunities to get up and move around. Allow space for movement.

24. Sit the student near positive role models.

25. Set up a specific signal (not the student's name) that will help remind the student when he is making inappropriate noises or movements. A good example would be walking by and touching his/her desk.

26. Break activities into small segments, especially if they are longer tasks.

Have your own favorite strategy? Please add it in the discussion for this page.