ADHD and School Challenges
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make school challenging for children, often causing frustration and even dislike for the experience. However, as a parent, you can help ease your child’s transition into classroom activities with these ADHD school support strategies.
Choose the Right School
If your child is starting school, it’s important to make sure the school can handle a child with ADHD. Call the school or visit it in person to find out if they have support in place. You can ask to observe the classroom setting and programs to see if they are suitable for your child. Understand the laws that protect children with disabilities, including ADHD, so you can be prepared.
Meet With Teachers
Once you’ve found the right school, set up a meeting with your child’s teachers. Talk about your child’s strengths and challenges. Every child with ADHD is different, and it’s important for the teacher to understand how your child might react in different situations. Let the teacher know that what works for one child might not work for another.
Educate the Teacher
If the teacher has little experience with ADHD, you can provide information to help them understand it better. Let them know about certain behaviors your child might have, such as outbursts or trouble listening. This way, the teacher will be better prepared to respond effectively when these situations come up.
Stay in Touch With the Teacher
The more informed the teacher is, the better they can support your child. Keep in touch with the teacher regularly. Check in daily at first and then weekly to monitor how your child is doing. Regular communication helps keep everyone on the same page.
Help With Organization
Children with ADHD often struggle with staying organized. School can teach them organizational skills, but you can also help. Assist your child with organizing their books and schoolwork. Some parents use charts or sticker systems to help their child keep track of what they need for each class.
Support With Transitions
Moving from one class to another can be hard for a child with ADHD. It may confuse and upset them. If your child has a friend at school, see if they can be paired together during class transitions. This can help make these moments less stressful.
Avoid Singling Out the Child
It’s very important that your child isn’t treated differently in front of their peers. Singling them out can hurt their self-esteem and make them feel like the center of negative attention. Ask the teacher to speak with your child privately if needed or find a way to give warnings without drawing attention to them.
Advocate for Evaluation and Support
If your child continues to struggle, consider asking the school to evaluate your child for eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If eligible, the school can provide extra support and services to help your child succeed.
Conclusion
Having a child with ADHD in school can be challenging, but with the right support strategies and open communication with the school, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take the time to voice your concerns, prepare your child, and make sure their needs are being met. With the right support, your child can have a positive school experience.