For a kid or teen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the classroom can be a confusing and intimidating place (ADHD). Background noises, chatty classmates, and lecturing teachers are all frequent sources of sensory overload, making it difficult for youngsters with ADHD to stay focused, follow directions, and complete homework.
"Marbles rolling about in my head" is a common symptom. Given these circumstances, you may be wondering how your child can excel in school cognitively, physically, and emotionally.
Academics can be difficult for children with ADHD — and for parents who want to help them. Children with ADHD performed worse in school than pupils who did not have ADHD, according to research published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics in September 2020. With a strong support team that includes their parents and teachers, as well as their pediatrician, school counselor, psychiatrist, and therapist, children with ADHD can flourish in school.
Here are seven ways parents can assist their children in achieving academic success.
1. Know rules and laws that apply in your state
Finding out how your school system is legally obligated to accommodate children with ADHD is one of the first things to do, followed by "making the request." The Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may make your child eligible for a plan. Schools may provide special education assistance, behavioral management or organizational training, and learning accommodations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Make it a habit to check resources like the CDC frequently, as guidelines are subject to change.
2. Talk to the teacher about your child’s personality and temperament
Not every child with ADHD fits the same mold or responds to the same treatment. A cookie-cutter approach will not work since each child is unique.
For some children, the most difficult challenge is learning to manage their bodies in an environment that encourages them to sit for long periods of time. Others find it difficult to tune out distracting sounds and activities when attempting to focus on a math problem, a science experiment, or a test question that requires sustained attention and focus. Many ADHD children with high IQs have racing thoughts and ideas that are often ahead of what the teacher is saying. As the other students in the class remain steadfastly focused on a slow sequence of information collecting, this might lead to frustration and even despair.
3. Ask for accommodations that fit your child’s learning style
Once your team has decided what will help your child grow academically, make sure the school makes accommodations to assist your child remember what they've learned.
Audio, video or digital materials may be more entertaining and beneficial for some kids than textbooks. Others find it beneficial to have books or test questions read to them. Others thrive when given the option of completing tasks or typing comments on a computer rather than in writing.
Request that your child take more frequent breaks, have a few extra minutes to do work, or take tests at specified times of the day.
4. Focus on the physical environment
The location of the child's seat in the classroom can make or break an ADHD student's school experience. Examining the environment is also important: is it possible to take a test in a silent room? In a small group of people? When exercising with chair bands or other sensory tools for active legs or hands?
Similarly, it's critical to ensure that your child's home study space is somewhat distraction-free. During study time, close emails, turn off social media and any phone or other notifications.
5. Work out a system for regular care team dialogue
You'll want to keep an eye on things in the classroom, but there's a narrow line between being too involved and being not involved at all. Setting up a communication strategy ahead of time might be beneficial to all parties involved.
A pediatrician or teacher is usually the first to notice ADHD. Educators are increasingly recognizing the coexistence of other conditions (known as comorbidities) that may develop over time, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is why it's important for the care team to stay in touch and discuss ongoing ADHD treatment strategies.
