Children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are often extremely frustrated in a classroom setting. They cannot keep focused on their work, and drift into daydreams and wandering thoughts. They have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time. They tend to be impulsive and reactionary, not taking the time to consider a response before giving it. They might blurt out answers, pester other students, noisily kick their chairs, or sit aimlessly staring off into space. Teachers often get irritated and repeatedly scold these kids. They are painted as the class troublemakers or the “slow learners.”
Pursuing Adaptations for Your Child
As a parent, you have the right to insist that your child be placed in an educational setting best suited for him or her. Children with ADHD are eligible for special education, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Some parents don’t pursue special education options because they think, “My child doesn’t need that.” However, special education doesn’t mean your child has to be bussed to a separate school and isolated from mainstream kids in a specialized class. Quite the contrary. “Special education” simply refers to the school’s legal obligation to make sure your child has whatever adaptations are necessary to improve the quality of his education, in the most “normal” setting as possible.
Here are some adaptations you can request to help your child with ADHD in school:
- First and foremost, your child’s teacher should be educated about ADHD. He or she should know the symptoms, treatments, and how it specifically affects your child. The amount and type of medication, if any, that your child takes, and possible side effects, should be clearly understood. Don’t assume the teacher is knowledgeable on the subject of ADHD. Many aren’t. And some teachers may not even believe the condition is a real one. Your child needs a teacher who knows ADHD and is sympathetic.
- The ADHD child should sit close to the chalkboard and teacher. The fewer moving objects (like students, class pets, dangling mobiles, etc.) between the child and the teacher, the better.
- Request that your child be assigned a peer tutor. I’ve talked about peer tutors often in my blogs. A responsible peer can help your child stay focused by tapping him or her on the shoulder or gently reminding your child to stay on task. The peer tutor can offer help on assignments and model appropriate behaviors for your son or daughter.
- If your son or daughter has a hard time sitting still, request that she be allowed to stand up to do her work or otherwise have more freedom of movement during the class day.
- Request that your child be allowed to take tests in short sessions with breaks in between.
- The teacher should give five minute warnings prior to a change in classroom activities, so that your son or daughter has adequate time to disengage.
- The teacher should have a specific non-verbal “sign” to the child that means “let’s get back on task.” That way, the child’s name isn’t being called over and over again, to single him out repeatedly in front of the class.
- The teacher should privately ask the child to restate the directions if they are complex, or if your child doesn’t appear to be paying attention.
- Classroom rules should be visible and frequently reviewed. Your son or daughter should know exactly what consequences will take place when he misbehaves.
- Adequate supervision should be provided for your son or daughter when transitioning between recess and class. Extended time should be offered to complete assignments and tests.
In addition to the above points, if your child’s ADHD is causing a significant problem in the classroom, make sure you have properly explored medication and dosages. Not all children with ADHD require medication, but some are literally transformed by it. My two stepdaughters are severely impaired in their schooling without their Adderall. Once the right medication and dosage was found, their grades improved dramatically.
Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss classroom adjustments. If the teacher doesn’t seem willing to help, request an IEP meeting through the school district. Be your child’s advocate and see that her special needs are being met. The child with ADHD can—and with the right environment will–succeed in school.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.