ADHD: How to Help Your Child Succeed at School
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make you less able to pay attention, concentrate, and remember. Children who have it also can have a tough time connecting with other kids their age.
These things can make school especially hard. But there are ways to help your child have an easier time in class.
Educate Yourself
It helps to be familiar with laws, regulations, and policies that can support your child:
Your child’s rights. Two federal laws are in place to make sure children with disabilities get a “free and appropriate education.” The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require schools to offer services and other things to help children learn.
Your state may have other laws about this, too.
Individualized education program (IEP). If your child needs specialized instruction to meet their learning needs, they should have an IEP. It will:
- Detail those needs
- Explain the services the school will give them
- Note how their progress will be measured
504 plan. If your child doesn’t need an IEP, this document outlines other ways the school will support them. The plans are tailored for each child's needs. They don't change what's being taught in class. But your child may:
- Get extra time on tests and schoolwork
- Have the option to listen to audiobooks instead of reading
- Give verbal answers to a test instead of written ones
- Take tests in a different room with fewer distractions or in a smaller group of students
- Get speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling
The law doesn't outline a standard way to get a 504 plan. It's up to each school. If you think a plan would help your child, contact your school district and find out what's involved.
The policies and support available at your child’s school. Make a written request to your child's principal for an evaluation for services. On its website, an organization called Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers an example of a letter you might send.
Many public schools also offer social skills groups. These are small gatherings – usually between two and eight kids – that are led by a school psychologist or speech therapist. They can help kids learn how to connect with their peers and handle certain social situations.