ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Kids Succeed in School

ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Kids Succeed in School

One-on-one instruction from teachers and assistive technology can help students with ADHD.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face more obstacles on their way to success than average students. ADHD symptoms, such as the inability to pay attention and difficulty sitting still and controlling impulses, can make it more difficult for children diagnosed with ADHD to do well in school.

To meet the needs of children with ADHD, schools may offer the following:

• ADHD treatments, such as classroom behavior management or organizational training;
• special education services; either
• adaptations to reduce the effects of ADHD on learning.

Strategies for classroom treatment of students with ADHD

Some school management strategies are effective with students with ADHD: behavior management in the classroom and organizational training.

The behavior management approach in the classroom promotes students’ positive behaviors through a reward system or daily report card and discourages their negative behaviors. This teacher-directed approach can constructively influence student behavior by increasing their academic engagement.

Corporate training teaches children time management, planning skills, and ways to keep school supplies organized to optimize student learning and reduce distractions.

Both management strategies require trained staff—including teachers, counselors, or school psychologists—to follow a specific plan for teaching and supporting positive behavior.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that school settings, programs, or levels be a part of any ADHD treatment plan. The AAP also recommends teacher-administered behavior therapy for school-age children with ADHD. You can talk with your child’s healthcare provider and teachers to work 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. Two laws regulate 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 in school will depend on whether they are eligible to participate in 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?

The IEP provides individualized special education services to meet the child’s unique needs.

A 504 Plan provides services and changes in the learning environment to meet the child’s needs as appropriately as those of other students.

adaptations

The IEP and 504 Plan may offer accommodations to help students manage their ADHD, including:

• additional time for tests;
• Instructions and assignments adapted for the child;
• positive reinforcement and feedback;
• use of technology to help with homework;
• Allow them breaks or time to get up and move around;
• changes to the environment to limit distractions; and
• Extra help to keep them organized.

What teachers can do to help

For teachers, it can be challenging to help children manage their ADHD symptoms. Most children with this disorder are not enrolled in special education classes, but they need extra help daily. The National ADHD Resource Center provides expert information for teachers on how to help students with ADHD.

Here are some tips for them to be successful in the classroom.

Communication:

• Give frequent feedback and watch for positive behaviors;
• be aware of ADHD’s influence on emotions, such as self-esteem issues or difficulty managing feelings;
• give them several times and plenty of advance notice before making transitions and changes in routines; and
• Understand that children with ADHD may become engrossed in activities that interest them (super focus) and may need extra help redirecting their attention.

Assignments and tasks:

• Make the assignments clear and check with the students if they understand what they have to do;
• provide them with options to demonstrate their mastery (for example, let the student choose between a written essay, oral report, online quiz, or practice project;
• Make sure the tasks are short and varied. Faster functions that provide a little challenge without being too tricky may work better;
• Allow breaks because, for children with ADHD, paying attention implies an additional effort and can be very tiring;
• Give them time to move and exercise;
• Minimize classroom distractions; and
• Use organizational tools, such as a homework folder, to limit the number of things the child has to keep track of.

Make a plan that fits the child:

• Observe and talk to the student about what helps and what distracts (for example, using distraction gadgets like fidget spinners, limiting eye contact while listening, playing background music, or moving around while learning may be beneficial or distract them, depending on the child);
• Communicate with parents regularly; and
• Involve the counselor or school psychologist.

Close collaboration between the school, parents and healthcare providers will help ensure that the child gets the proper support.

Instruction and support for parents

CDC funds the National ADHD Resource Center (NRC), a program of the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization. The NRC provides resources, information, and tips for parents on ways to help their children. 

How to be your child’s best advocate:

• Understand your child’s diagnosis, how it affects 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.
• Talk to your child’s teacher.
• Whenever possible, obtain written documentation from teachers, administrative staff, or other professionals who work with your child.
• Know your rights.
• Take an active part in preparing your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
• Keep good information records, including written documentation, home-school communications, progress reports, and assessments.
• Try to maintain a good working relationship with the school while advocating for your child’s rights.
• Please communicate any concerns regarding your child’s IEP or 504 Plan progress.
• Please encourage your child daily and work with him to create a system to help him with homework and other school projects.

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10 Tips for Going to College When You Have ADHD

College is a fascinating time! New friends and opportunities surround you, and you have more independence than ever. However, college life also has unique challenges for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD (ADHD). Managing classes, social life, and extracurricular activities without the daily support of your parents and a structured class schedule is not easy. But there are many things you can do to set yourself up for success. With these ten tips, you can start this process. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or

1. Go to all the classes. Participation in classes is essential, even if the teachers are only sometimes supervising you. Skipping class causes your grades to drop and makes your teachers less motivated to help you when you need it. So resist the urge to skip class, even if you think the class is too easy (or boring). Just by attending classes, you increase the probability of success.

ADHD has a hard time getting up in the morning. If this happens to you, don’t sign up for the 8 am classes, even though they seem “the best class ever!” It doesn’t matter how good a course is if you’re not there to participate.

3. Work first, play later. College campuses are full of temptations that can distract you from completing your work, and college students with ADHD must work hard to get good results. Schedule specific study periods in a quiet place, and stick to the plan. Reward yourself with fun social activities, but discipline yourself to work first and play later. This will help you minimize homework procrastination and allow you to enjoy your time in social activities without feeling anxious about falling behind in your classes.

4. Be proactive. Get the support you need before a crisis arises. All colleges have resources available to help students with ADHD thrive. Contact the Learning Support Services office before you arrive on campus and find out what documentation they need to confirm your ADHD diagnosis. Ask what services they will offer you. If, throughout the semester, you find that you are having trouble passing a class, contact your learning support services office and your teachers as soon as possible to see what disability support they can give you. If the semester is almost over, there is very little they can do to help you, but if you do it earlier in the semester, there are many options for help. ADHD to get ahead. Contact the Learning Support Services office before you arrive on campus and find out what documentation they need to confirm your ADHD diagnosis. Ask what services they will offer you. If, throughout the semester, you find that you are having trouble passing a class, contact your learning support services office and your teachers as soon as possible to see what disability support they can give you. If the semester is almost over, there is very little they can do to help you, but if you do it earlier in the semester, there are many options for help.

5. Use a calendar. Keeping track of class schedules, homework, tests, and social activities isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen automatically. Often students with ADHD

6. Think before you drink. It’s no secret that alcohol consumption is widespread on college campuses. Although excessive drinking is not healthy for anyone, studies show that students with ADHD experience more negative consequences due to drinking than students without ADHD. The best option is to avoid alcohol. Avoid social situations that encourage alcohol use, and don’t join a sorority with a drinking culture. If you decide to drink and realize that your use of alcohol is harming your relationships, grades, or health, contact the campus health center for help.

ADHD. Lack of sleep makes it harder to pay attention and can lead to impulsive decisions that you will regret later. You should aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, with a consistent and rigid schedule, even if that means sleeping from 2 am to 10 am each morning.

9. Take your ADHD medicationsADHD as prescribed. Continue to take your ADHD medications as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid skipping doses and resist the temptation to misuse them to study hard before a test or to study all night. Missing your medications is dangerous and can also disrupt your sleep schedule and make it harder for you to concentrate in the long run. If your medications aren’t helping you meet your college student needs, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

10. Call your parents, and send them a message or an email. You may be living in college and on your way to adulthood, but your parents can still support you. Being surrounded by so many new people and having so many new expectations can be challenging at times. Conversation with your parents about your feelings can help you get on the ground. Everyone needs emotional support, and you will never be too old to benefit from the unconditional love your parents give you. So talk to your parents regularly, and if you need help, ask for it.

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ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Kids Succeed in School