Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience more obstacles in their path to success than the average student. The symptoms of ADHD, such as inability to pay attention, difficulty sitting still, and difficulty controlling impulses, can make it hard for children with this diagnosis to do well in school.
As a parent you have the right to ask for these accommodations to help meet the needs of your child in school:
Behavioral classroom management or organizational training;
Special education services; or
Accommodations to lessen the effect of ADHD on their learning
The behavioral classroom management approach encourages a student’s positive behaviors in the classroom, through a reward systems or a daily report card. This is a teacher-led approach and has been shown to influence student behavior in a positive manner, increasing academic engagement. This approach is tested mostly in elementary schools, behavioral classroom management has been shown to work students of all ages.
Organizational training teaches children time management, planning skills, and ways to keep school materials organized in order to optimize student learning and reduce distractions. This management strategy has been tested with children and adolescents.
These two management strategies require trained staff—including teachers, counselors, or school psychologists—follow a specific plan to teach and support positive behavior.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the school environment, program, or placement is a part of any ADHD treatment plan. You can talk to your child’s healthcare provider and teachers about working together to support your child.
Special Education Services and Accommodations
Most children with ADHD receive some school services, such as special education services and accommodations. There are two laws that govern special services and accommodations for children with disabilities:
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The support a child with ADHD receives at school will depend on if they meet the eligibility requirements for one of two federal plans funded by IDEA and Section 504: an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
What are the main differences between the two Plans?
IEPs provide individualized special education services to meet the unique needs of the child.
A 504 Plan provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students.
Accommodations
IEP and 504 Plans can offer accommodations for students to help them manage their ADHD, including but not limited to:
Extra time on tests;
Instruction and assignments tailored to the child;
Positive reinforcement and feedback;
Using technology to assist with tasks;
Allowing breaks or time to move around;
Changes to the environment to limit distraction; and
Extra help with staying organized.
What Teachers Can Do To Help
For teachers, helping children manage their ADHD symptoms can present a challenge. Most children with ADHD are not enrolled in special education classes, but do need extra assistance on a daily basis. Here are some tips for classroom success. Keep in mind that these are not one size fits all tips but have been found to be effective.
Communication
Give frequent feedback and attention to positive behavior;
Be sensitive to the influence of ADHD on emotions, such as self-esteem issues or difficulty regulating feelings;
Provide extra warnings before transitions and changes in routines; and
Understand that children with ADHD may become deeply absorbed in activities that interest them (hyper-focus) and may need extra assistance shifting their attention.
Assignments and Tasks
Make assignments clear—check with the student to see if they understand what they need to do;
Provide choices to show mastery (for example, let the student choose among written essay, oral report, online quiz, or hands-on project;
Make sure assignments are not long and repetitive. Shorter assignments that provide a little challenge without being too hard may work well;
Allow breaks—for children with ADHD, paying attention takes extra effort and can be very tiring;
Allow time to move and exercise;
Minimize distractions in the classroom; and
Use organizational tools, such as a homework folder, to limit the number of things the child has to track.
Develop a Plan That Fits the Individual Student
Observe and talk with the student about what helps or distracts them (for example, fidget tools, limiting eye contact when listening, background music, or moving while learning can be beneficial or distracting depending on the child);
Communicate with parents on a regular basis; and
Involve the school counselor or psychologist.
Close collaboration between the school, parents, and healthcare providers will help ensure the child gets the right support.
Parent Education and Support
As a parent you should look at The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. I will also provide you with some other helpful resources.
How to best advocate for your child
Understand your child’s diagnosis, how it impacts their education, and what can be done at home to help.
Understand your child’s IEP. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
Speak with your child’s teacher.
When possible, obtain written documentation from teachers, administrators, or other professionals working with your child. Always follow-up every conversation(in-person or phone call) with an email.
Know your rights.
Play an active role in preparing your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Keep careful records, including written documentation, communication between home and school, progress reports, and evaluations. You can create a digital folder in google to store all of your documents in one place.
Try to maintain a good working relationship with the school while being a strong advocate for your child.
Communicate any concerns you may have about your child’s progress or IEP or 504 Plan. Always do this in writing to keep track of timelines.
Encourage your child every day, and work with your child to create a system to help with homework and other school projects.
What every parent should know
School support and services are regulated by laws. The U.S. Department of Education has developed a “Know your rights” letter for parents to help educators, families, students, and other interested groups better understand how these laws apply to students with ADHD so that they can get the services and education they need to be successful.
Healthcare providers play an important part in collaborating with schools to help children get the special services they need.
References
Evans S, Owens J, Bunford N. Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology 2014;43(4):527-551
DuPaul GJ, Chronis-Tuscano A, Danielson ML, Visser SN. Predictors of receipt of school services in a national sample of youth with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders Published online December 10, 2018.
Harrison JR, Bunford N, Evans SW, Owens JS. Educational accommodations for students with behavioral challenges: A systematic review of the literature. Review of Educational Research 2013;83(4):551-97.
Moore DA, Russell AE, Matthews J, Ford TJ, Rogers M, Ukoumunne OC, et al. School-based interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review with multiple synthesis methods. Review of Education. Published online October 18, 2018.
Comments