It's no surprise when a Brownie Girl Scout has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; about 8 percent of children have the condition. While these children can bring enthusiasm and energy to the troop meetings, their behavior also may be disruptive to the troop. A leader can plan ahead to minimize problems.
How ADHD Affects the Brownie
The core symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, distractibility and hyperactivity (in excess of a typically developing child.) If a child has these traits, she may have trouble sitting for the duration of a Brownie activity and frequently interrupt. She also may find it hard to stay with the group on field trips. All these behaviors can be managed, as long as the leader is proactive!
Get Advice from Others
The Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders describes a fictitious Brownie, "Jenny," who demonstrates symptoms consistent with ADHD: she talks constantly and can't sit still. The guidebook advises the leader to talk with "Jenny's" parents before going on a field trip, and get tips on behavior management.
Carrying this idea further, a leader can talk to Jenny's parents even before a field trip; in fact, it is a good idea to talk to parents before the troop begins meeting for the year. Children who have ADHD typically need more incentives and consequences to behave well; the parent will know what is most effective for her child. The leader also can ask the parents if she can talk with the Brownie Girl Scout's homeroom teacher, who could offer tips on how she manages the child in the classroom.
Anticipate Problem Times in Troop Meetings
A leader can anticipate some times in a troop meeting that may be a problem. If a Brownie Scout has ADHD, she may have trouble with the following:
- starting and finishing crafts that require multiple steps
- changing from one activity to another
- sitting patiently while an adult is speaking
- waiting her turn in line
- getting along with other Brownie Scouts
Solutions for ADHA Scout Problems
The leader can take steps to give the Brownie extra support without embarrassing the child. The following actions may help:
- ask the parent to attend meetings
- when doing crafts, give simple written instructions to all Brownie Scouts
- in a group, place the Brownie who has ADHD at the end of a row, or by an adult
- remind all Brownies specific ways to be good friend (share, take turns, no hurtful words); reward or praise friendly behavior
A Brownie Scout who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will probably add extra challenges to running a troop. However, she also will add extra energy and spirit to a meeting, and will keep a leader on her toes. Typically developing Brownies will learn that the world includes people who have differences, and that is a valuable Brownie lesson as well
Sources:
Cain, Roemarie; The Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders. Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 2000.
Center for Children With Special Needs, Tufts-New England Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children; News Release, 2007.
Related Reading:
Brownie leaders can learn organization tips
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