ADHD in the Classroom

Help your child be successful this year 

    Problems with homework abound, whether your family is coping with a learning disability or not. There are always more “fun” things to do, friends to play with and places to go. Couple that with short attention spans, impulsivity and restlessness and you’ve got the ingredients for a not-so-happy evening of homework.

In a National Health Interview Survey 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that approximately 7.2 percent of children ages 3 - 17 were affected by ADHD. According to David Bennett, PhD., clinical psychologist for the Developmental and Behavioral Sciences Department at Children’s Mercy Hospital, this is not only a national statistic, but it is accurate worldwide, as well. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the term now used for a condition which has had several names over the past hundred years. There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive; hyperactive-impulsive and combined, depending upon the specific symptoms the person has. 

    How can you, the parent, help to make your child’s school experience successful? First, check your expectations and be realistic. Bennett says, “Understand the subtleties of ADHD. Research indicates that ADHD children can be behind their peers, especially organizationally, by as much as 30 percent.” He goes on to say, “Recognize that these students need an infrastructure of support, and parents are not ‘enabling’ their students when they assist with developing and then implementing a plan to tackle homework, especially long-term assignments.” 

    This school year, you might try sitting down with your child and developing a Homework Management Plan. Some possible suggestions:

• Request that your child regularly record his/her assignments in one central location. That way, you will both know what the teacher expects and when. Work with them on long-term assignments. Help them to pace themselves so that projects will get done on time or ahead of time, instead of putting it all off until the last minute.
• Have them bring home all textbooks and any other materials necessary for completion of assignments. Then together review what is expected by the teacher and clarify any areas of uncertainty.
• Have your child select where he/she will do their homework. A quiet, well-lit, comfortable place would be most helpful. Also, agree upon a consistent starting time for the work to begin. Be available for your child, as age-appropriate, but don’t “hover” over them, doing the work for them.
• Make sure to build breaks into the study time. As a child gets older and works with more difficult assignments, they will need to pace themselves more, including taking small amounts of time away from their work. This will enable them to come back to their desk refreshed and ready to take on more.
• Once assignments are complete, review them with your student, having them make any corrections that may be necessary. If appropriate, quiz your child on the material just covered.
• Have your child file the completed homework immediately in a previously agreed upon binder or folder. Use the same folder for every assignment, labeling it “Finished Homework” or some title that is relevant to your student.
• Request that he/she turn in his work at the beginning of each class day, or class period. Stay in close communication with teachers to make certain assignments are being handed in, and to form a cooperative alliance with the teacher(s) and the school.
• Remember to reward your student as progress is made. “Progress” may mean an evening with no attitude or it may mean that all assignments were handed in on time for the week. No one knows your child better than you. Be their biggest cheerleader, and never give up on them!

• Bennett also suggests writing a letter to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year. Title it, “This Is My Child.” Tell the teacher a little bit about your student as well as things that past teachers have done in class that have been helpful and those things that haven’t been quite so helpful.

• “It’s so important for parents of ADHD kids to have an open line of communication with teachers. It’s always much better for the student when parents and teachers work together,” he adds.

• ADHD and learning disabilities in general can be very complex. “Seek help for any significant areas that are causing your child not to be successful,” says Bennett. “That help can be in the form of your pediatrician, a tutor or organizational coach, a school counselor or your psychologist.”

Freelance writer Sandy Brooks lives in Lee’s Summit with her family.