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ADHD: Brain Chemistry in the Classroom

Marina Doering • September 4, 2024

In my extensive experience working with schools and teachers I have seen many, many students with ADHD. While it is far from a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, you might resonate with some familiar scenarios: the student who gazes out the window, distracted by a basketball game instead of focusing on a math test; the student who can’t seem to stay seated, even with a heavy object on his lap; or the student who responds to a question about the largest lake in the United States with a comment about a teacher’s new glasses.

Students exhibiting ADHD often present behaviors in the classroom, due to their inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, that disrupt the flow. I empathize with those teachers who feel overwhelmed by trying to thread this needle of explaining a set amount of curriculum, crammed into a defined window of time, set against the backdrop of a full classroom (too often, overly-so). The result is a classroom dynamic where the instructional time available does not have room in it to account for any disruptive behaviors that create a divergence from the day’s plan. Thus, it becomes both a challenging environment for the ADHD student to excel in and a challenge for the teacher to stick to their plan to keep the class moving along. While it is clear the ADHD student has the individual potential to excel, guiding their focus, organization, and comprehension can feel overwhelming within the confines of class time.

While there is no silver-bullet solution here, understanding first how ADHD affects the brain and how that manifests in classroom behavior are highly instructive in helping to navigate these challenges to minimize disruption to the class flow and maximize the ADHD child’s chance for success. Understanding the pathways can help teachers tailor more effective strategies to support their neurodivergent students. 

Understanding ADHD Behaviors

ADHD behaviors generally stem from four primary needs: attention, avoidance, access, and sensory (or automatic) needs. Here’s how (and why) these needs often present in the classroom:

  1. Attention (and Impulsivity): Neurochemically-speaking, one cause of ADHD is dysfunction within the dopamine system that results in lower levels of dopamine in the brain. The brain will often take the path of least resistance to increase dopamine. This is where we see impulsive fulfillment for things that are novel, drive attention, and get a fast response. Students may interrupt, move around the room, or make off-topic comments, which is really the brain causing the body to behave in such a way that garners a dopamine boost. It is their difficulty in slowing down the decision-making process that leads to attention-seeking behavior, the receipt of which can trigger dopamine response the brain craves.


  2. Avoidance  (and Executive Functioning): Similarly, the brain that is wired to seek dopamine requires a more stimulating or rewarding activity to maintain focus. If a task seems too challenging or dull, students with ADHD may struggle to stay engaged – especially when there are other nearby or accessible ways to engage that do activate those stimulation and reward centers in the brain. This manifests as forgetfulness about assignments, incomplete tasks, or lack of participation in group work. Another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, is found in lower levels in ADHD brains as compared to neurotypical brains. Too little norepinephrine can prevent certain signals from reaching the prefrontal cortex, the portion of the brain responsible for executive functions like attention, emotion regulation, and impulse control.


  3. Access  (and Task Following): Again, we look to brain chemistry to understand what creates this difficulty. The magnetic draw of following things more intensely rewarding activities that increase norepinephrine, and dopamine is stronger than that of a most task presented as part of a typical classroom lesson plan… that is, unless that plan is coated in a confetti of novelty, simplicity, and directness. Teachers will see this expressed as difficulty in following multi-step instructions or completing tasks that require sequential processing, like long division or solving equations. Students with ADHD often are challenged by task organization and adherence to instruction, tools that help sort through sequential problems.


  4. Sensory Needs : Students may fidget, wiggle, or need to stand up to release energy to satiate their sensory needs and help them manage their vestibular system. Those with ADHD feel an extra urge to move when they are accessing their brain’s executive functions, as the whole biomechanical process takes more effort. The movement you see isn’t just something they can switch off readily, but it is an adaptive tool to help align body and mind, to maintain the alertness and effort required to meet the cognitive demands of the tasks presented. When engaging in something stimulating, such as watching a movie on a Friday afternoon in class, there’s less active thinking involved – ingesting, processing, and holding onto that content is more a passive activity, yet one that engages all of the senses. By contrast, a lecture walking through the on the many meticulous steps involved behind successfully executing long-division demands active input different areas of the brain, which, in ADHD students, creates a need to fidget or wiggle as the body’s way of assisting the brain in managing the additional degree of focus required to get it to cooperate through the multi-step process.

The traditional school environment is simply not built for students with this brain chemistry, demanding prolonged periods of stillness, quiet listening, and the ability to process and comply with complex instructions on a tight timeline. Each of those functions are particular challenging for students with ADHD. It’s not a matter of attitude, aptitude, or compliance, but rather a direct result of the chemical mechanics of their brains. ADHD is not a disorder of ability, but of performance.

The problem is further compounded by the practical outcomes that result from conventional approaches that misunderstand how to best support these kids. Children and teens with ADHD often face consequences like poor grades, frequent reprimands, disciplinary issues, peer teasing, and diminished self-esteem. Incidentally, this widens, rather than narrows, the achievement gap in the classroom. 

Teachers, in turn, can grow frustrated by the experience of ineffectiveness and disengage or feel disconnected from their students. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. The overarching point is that the most effective tool in supporting a student with ADHD is a positive attitude. It is much easier, in my experience, to bring a consistent, positive attitude and approach when you first understand the root-cause analysis and that the disruptive behavior patterns you experience in the classroom are largely a simple byproduct of a young brain in search of dopamine, something the ADHD student quite literally cannot control.

Marina completed a pediatric art therapy clinical rotation at The Boston Center partial-hospitalization program in Brighton, MA along with clinical positions at Thom Boston Metro Early Intervention, St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, and Dana Group Associates. She implemented art therapy interventions for pain and stress management, child and family development, pre-natal and postpartum care, and holistic wellness in acute and high-stress experiences. 

By Barbara Farland February 19, 2025
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Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Barrington, IL — With just a little over 50% of parents considering or having considered choosing a new school for their child, Brightmont Academy’s Barrington campus stands out as a trusted solution for personalized education. As a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, Brightmont provides a supportive and targeted learning environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal development. The Barrington campus has experienced remarkable growth, further solidifying its reputation as a top choice for families seeking individualized education. Brightmont Academy’s distinctive one-to-one model allows students to progress at their own pace, receiving individualized attention from dedicated instructors. “The Brightmont structure is different. It's very targeted. It's that one-to-one experience,” says Barb Sitkiewicz, Campus Director of the Barrington campus. “Students can go through coursework and gain much with that one-to-one.” In addition to academic support, Brightmont creates a welcoming environment where students feel valued. “Once they get to Brightmont and are appreciated and welcomed and feel part of our community, it makes it easier for them to show up consistently,” Sitkiewicz explains. This sense of belonging plays a crucial role in helping students thrive. At Brightmont, transformation extends beyond academics. Many students arrive facing significant challenges but leave with newfound confidence and capability. “You wouldn't recognize them from the first day they walked into Brightmont to now,” Sitkiewicz shares, highlighting the profound personal growth experienced by students. Parents seeking an alternative to traditional education find that Brightmont’s personalized model offers an ideal solution for students who need individualized attention to succeed. By combining flexibility, rigorous academics, and emotional support, Brightmont Academy continues to change lives and prepare students for a brighter future. Brightmont Academy is located at 400 E. Main St. in Barrington and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
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Private School in Birmingham Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Birmingham, MI — Roughly 6 percent of students with disabilities are considered "twice-exceptional" (2E)—students who are gifted but also face challenges like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. In traditional school settings, their intelligence often masks their disabilities, leaving them unsupported, or they are placed in programs that address their challenges but fail to nurture their advanced abilities. Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is transforming education for 2E students by unlocking their full potential. With its innovative blend of support and challenge, Brightmont provides an environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth for twice-exceptional students. "Brightmont is a supportive, one-to-one learning environment that helps 2E students reach their full potential," says Annette Looser, Campus Director of the Birmingham location. "At Brightmont, we address the students' giftedness and disability at the same time in a nurturing, challenging environment." With one-to-one instruction, students progress at their own pace, mastering foundational skills while excelling in advanced areas. "At Brightmont, it is common for a second-grade 2E student to have the ability to work up to completing fifth-grade math," Looser explains. "Brightmont teachers focus on building a strong foundation in basic math concepts using visual aids and manipulatives, gradually progressing to more complex topics at a pace that matches their understanding. It is easy at Brightmont for students to closely collaborate with their teachers." Parents of twice-exceptional children often face a unique set of challenges, from ensuring their child's talents are nurtured to addressing their learning disabilities effectively. Brightmont offers a solution that addresses both needs, helping families create a path for success. "Parents who have highly intelligent students who struggle in their current school environment due to a learning disability, ADHD, or sensory integration disorder have gifted children who often fly under the radar," Looser adds. "Parents who feel that their child's full potential is not being recognized may benefit greatly from Brightmont's program." Brightmont Academy is located at 33483 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
By Jamie Bachmann February 5, 2025
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Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, continues to build its reputation for providing personalized education and exceptional support for students and families. With a mission to help students reach their full academic potential and prepare for college and career, Brightmont is proud to have already helped more than 4,000 students succeed. Brightmont remains dedicated to offering customized education that caters to each student’s unique learning needs. Many families initially seek to make their original school work, but years later, they return to Brightmont after realizing the difference it could have made earlier. “We often have families who came to us two or three years after their initial tour. One of the first things they say is, ‘I wish I had done this a few years ago.’ They knew something was off, but they wanted to give their school another try,” says Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont. Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model has received widespread acclaim for its engaging, interactive approach. “I think people would be really surprised at what they see when they visit one of our campuses,” says Buckner. “They often envision a cold, impersonal environment when they hear ‘one-to-one,’ but what they find is a vibrant, interactive space where students are engaging with their teachers and peers. It’s not just about sitting at a computer—it’s about learning, socializing, and growing in a supportive environment.” On the third Thursday of each month, Brightmont hosts an Open House, providing a scheduled opportunity for families to meet with campus directors, tour the school, and ask questions about Brightmont’s one-to-one approach to learning. “The third Thursday of every month is a scheduled opportunity where the campus director, who is the leader of that school, has kind of cleared their calendar to make themselves available to meet with families who are interested in learning more about Brightmont and how we can support their child’s academic journey,” explained Buckner. For those who need assistance outside of these events, Brightmont is always available to provide support. “If you are in need of Brightmont services before then, we always will make time to make that happen,” adds Buckner. Brightmont Academy is located in eight states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is hosting a nationwide Open House on Thursday, February 20th. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
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Private School in Atlanta and Alpharetta Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA — Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is celebrating the remarkable growth of its Georgia campuses. With the established success of the Alpharetta Campus and the recent opening of the Atlanta Campus, Brightmont continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted resource for families and professionals seeking individualized learning solutions. The new Atlanta Campus recently hosted its Grand Opening & Open House, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. “The Grand Opening & Open House event was a tremendous success!” said Aisha Walker, Vice President of School Development. “Families and local professionals had the opportunity to tour our beautiful new Atlanta Campus and meet Campus Director Robyn Brunson, CEO Karen Buckner, and myself. Parents were particularly excited about our personalized, one-to-one approach to learning. Additionally, local professionals—including psychologists, neurologists, educational consultants, and mental health providers—were thrilled to welcome our new campus as a resource for their clients seeking alternative and individualized learning solutions.” Brightmont’s one-to-one instructional model, coupled with rolling admissions and flexible scheduling, has quickly made its Georgia campuses stand out as inclusive, accessible options for students of all learning needs. “We have been delighted to see a strong response from families since opening our doors a couple of months ago,” said Walker. “With rolling admissions and flexible scheduling being two of our standout options, we have already begun enrolling new students. These unique offerings make our program accessible and adaptable to a wide range of student needs, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.” The success of the Atlanta Campus is supported by the leadership of Robyn Brunson, whose dedication to personalized education has been instrumental. “Robyn Brunson brings an unwavering passion for differentiated learning and a deep commitment to helping families discover the best solutions for their children’s academic journeys,” said Walker. “Her drive to connect with the community ensures that families and local professionals alike have access to the transformative education Brightmont provides.” Brightmont Academy is located at 1161 Concord Rd SE Suite 100 in Atlanta and 1230 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101 in Alpharetta, and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
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Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students National — Brightmont Academy recently completed its accreditation review with Cognia, a globally respected organization that evaluates schools on rigorous standards on academic excellence and student engagement. The review highlighted Brightmont’s exceptional performance, with scores significantly exceeding national averages. Brightmont achieved perfect scores of 4.0 across multiple key metrics, compared to a national average of 3.0 to 3.1. “We just came up on our annual review, and I could not be more proud of our organization and how well we scored,” said Karen Buckner, CEO of Brightmont Academy. “A third-party organization, reviewing thousands of schools across the country, and saying, ‘Yes, Brightmont, you are educating students the way we would want a school to do it’—is very validating.” Cognia’s accreditation process evaluates schools worldwide on factors such as student engagement, academic outcomes, and instructional quality. This ensures families can trust the quality of education provided and the credits earned at Brightmont. “When parents ask if we’re accredited, they typically expect a ‘yes or no’ answer,” Buckner explained. “What I think most parents mean by that is, ‘If my student earns a credit here, will that credit mean anything to another school?’ The answer is yes, but it’s important to know that accreditation goes deeper than that. You can be accredited but still have lots of areas to improve on. One of the factors that sets Brightmont apart is that we scored significantly higher than the national average in key metrics that matter to parents.” Brightmont’s unique one-to-one instructional model allows for a personalized education that prepares students for long-term success. The school’s commitment to high standards and adaptability ensures that students thrive while families gain peace of mind knowing their child’s education is prioritized. “Our mission is to prepare students for whatever the next chapter brings,” Buckner said. “Should a 10th-grade Brightmont student choose to transfer to a large public school to play the trumpet in a school band, they should be able to do that. We ensure that what students learn at Brightmont is aligned with state standards and prepares them for whatever comes next. Parents appreciate that Brightmont is not just accredited but that their child is learning something meaningful and earning grades that reflect real achievement.” Brightmont’s remarkable accreditation scores underscore its dedication to preparing students for success in every stage of life. Brightmont Academy has 20 locations across eight states and is currently accepting enrollments. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
January 15, 2025
Private School in Miami and Boca Raton Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for 1st-12th Grade Students Miami and Boca Raton, FL — Tens of thousands of students in the Southeast face major disruptions due to hurricanes, with severe storms causing damage to homes, campuses, and infrastructure. Public schools often experience prolonged closures after these events, but Brightmont Academy, a nationally accredited private school, ensures that students stay on track with its one-to-one instructional model and flexible learning options. Brightmont’s personalized learning model enables students and families to navigate Florida’s unpredictable weather with ease. “At Brightmont, we’re fully prepared to adapt to Florida’s unpredictable weather,” says Monica Torres, Campus Director of the Miami location. “Our one-to-one model enables us to move seamlessly between in-person and online instruction. If online classes aren’t an option due to power outages, or if a specific student isn’t suited to virtual learning, we can pause classes. Once it’s safe to return to campus, students pick up right where they left off, ensuring no loss in progress.” Brightmont’s ability to tailor learning plans guarantees students don’t fall behind during weather-related closures. “Public schools often follow a fixed schedule, so when closures happen, students miss class time and may need to rush or skip content,” Torres explained. “Brightmont offers flexibility. Our students can switch to online instruction or pause learning, depending on what’s best for them. This ensures no learning is sacrificed, and families can focus on safety, knowing their child’s education won’t be disrupted.” Brightmont Academy is located at 6101 SW 76th Street in Miami and 19102 S State Road 7 in Boca Raton and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Miami location and between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Boca Raton location. Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 20 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington. For more information call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com . Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th
By Barbara Farland January 15, 2025
It’s clear that students benefit immensely from a one-to-one teaching model. Students receive undivided attention, experience less distraction, and enjoy an approach that meets their precise needs. But how do teachers feel about it? Do they benefit from it, too? At Brightmont Academy , the resounding reply is “yes!” — and for many reasons. For the most part, those reasons can be summed up in three key words: customization, efficiency, and connection. Customization Many people envision education as a teacher at a blackboard explaining a concept to a classroom full of students—relying on one approach and one technique to serve the masses. But that scenario is quite different at Brightmont.  “You can adjust your teaching to how the student learns,” says Kate Doan, a Science and Math teacher at Brightmont in Mendota Heights, Minn. In other words, it’s always student first, concept second, in devising a teaching method. “For example, today I was covering how to solve a problem in math with one of my students,” adds Kate. “I was able to ask about her preferred method to work through a math problem, then I showed her how to do it in her preferred way.”
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