ADHD

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to sustain focus, manage impulses, and regulate activity level. While ADHD itself isn’t classified as a learning disability, it can significantly affect a student’s ability to access instruction, stay organized, and complete tasks — and it frequently occurs alongside other learning differences.

How Porter Academy Addresses ADHD

• Small, structured groups mean students get redirected and supported quickly, rather than getting lost in a large classroom
• Consistent daily schedules and clear expectations give students the predictability that supports focus, paired with enough flexibility to accommodate different energy levels
• Daily movement — through PE, OT, and built-in classroom movement breaks — supports attention and self-regulation throughout the day
• Zones of Regulation gives students a shared language and toolkit for recognizing and managing their own energy and attention levels (see Our Approach for more)
• Immediate, specific positive reinforcement — including our classroom rewards systems — helps students build focus and follow-through through consistent, encouraging feedback
• Explicit executive-functioning support, including breaking tasks into manageable steps and teaching students to self-monitor their own progress

Learn More

For general background on ADHD beyond what’s specific to our program, we recommend CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).