How to Help
the ADHD Child Succeed in School
 As
the parent of a child with ADHD, you probably realize that
attention difficulties have nothing to do with your child’s
intelligence. Many children with ADHD are of above-average
intelligence, and with the proper environment, your child
can succeed in school as well as anyone else. But sometimes,
your child may feel like ADHD affects his or her classroom
performance. For example, it’s possible that your child
has experienced the following scenarios in school:
- Feeling unable to process
information in the same way that others do
- Avoiding teachers because
they seem unapproachable
- Not asking questions
because questions might make attention difficulties more
noticeable
- Having trouble making
friends or other ADHD
relationship problems
Parents are
the child’s top advocate. If your child is having trouble
in school or complains that he or she doesn’t like school,
you should notify your child’s school and teachers immediately.
By being aware of the ADHD, teachers and school officials
can focus on ADHD classroom
management. They can help your child be more successful
in school and ultimately, more successful in life.
When you
speak to school personnel and teachers, ask about the ways
your child has succeeded in school and any difficulties your
child may have encountered. Explain the treatments your child
is receiving, including ADHD
behavior therapy and medications. Ask about school-sponsored
programs that will help your child, including activities aimed
to encourage peer friendships and improve social skills.
Some parents
find it beneficial to write a letter to teachers explaining
a child’s ADHD condition. If you want to write such
a letter, you can use it to outline the measures you’re
taking to help your child. You also can ask that teachers
accommodate your child whenever possible and use correction
techniques that do not damage your child’s self-esteem.
During the
summer vacation, stay in touch with your child’s school
about the upcoming year. Meet the principal, teachers, and
other school personnel in advance to get a jump-start on the
next grade your child will be entering. Find out as much as
you can about the school and how your child’s condition
will be handled. You may want to consider an ADHD
summer camp that offers refresher courses so your child
doesn’t fall behind during summer vacation. Your preparation
and communication will help your child throughout the school
year.
|
