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Home | Is your child with ADHD struggling in school?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misdiagnosed, with children mistakenly labeled as simply "naughty." However, ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that can significantly impact a child's school experience. For many children with ADHD struggling in school UK, the classroom can become a source of anxiety, frustration, and even mental health challenges.
"It's crucial for parents and teachers to understand that children with ADHD do not have learning difficulties, but rather difficulties learning. This distinction is key to providing the right support and helping these students thrive."
Is your child with ADHD struggling in school? This guide is specifically designed to empower parents and guardians to effectively advocate for their child's needs within the education system. We understand that advocating for a child with ADHD can feel like an uphill battle. That's why we've drawn upon our extensive experience working with children with ADHD in the classroom, clinic, and through daily interactions with families to create this resource.
Inside, you'll discover valuable top tips and practical strategies, including criteria for requesting 'Reasonable Adjustments' from your child's school. These adjustments are proven to make a positive difference for children with ADHD, helping them to reach their full potential in school.
School teachers play a crucial role in shaping children's futures. They face daily challenges and pressures, so how can we help them understand our child with ADHD who may be struggling in school? By advocating effectively, we increase the chances of teachers being able to meet everyone's needs.
To be effective advocates, it's important to approach the situation from a place of understanding, not just emotion. “Advocate from our head not our heart”. If our first interaction with the teacher is when our child is already in trouble, our emotions may hinder effective communication.
Let's proactively communicate with your child's school to ensure they understand and support your child's ADHD. Here are some key points to include in a letter or email to the teacher:
Billi was asking to go to the toilet about three times every lesson and was sent to the school nurse as a result.
There was a thought that she had a urinary infection. She didn’t. Each time she knew she had lost track of the lesson but suspected she was about to be asked a question, she left the room for the loo. In her mind it was far better than being ‘made to look an idiot’.
Similarly, Charlie was renowned for losing his temper in his maths class, he even threw a stool across the room once, which earned him a detention.
It ends up that he struggled with maths, he just couldn’t see the numbers. This frustrated him and put him under pressure, he couldn’t understand why the girl sitting next to him could do her 11 times table and he couldn’t.
As his frustration grew, so did his stress. The stress placed his brain, especially his executive functioning, under more pressure, and in the end, just like a kettle, he blew off steam in an inappropriate way. It’s predictably inevitable.
To help your child with ADHD succeed in school, it's crucial to understand their preferred learning style. Consider the following:
By understanding your child's learning style, you can advocate for an environment that best supports their needs. This could include:
Share your insights about your child's learning style with their teacher. This valuable information can help the teacher tailor their approach to maximise your child's engagement and success in school.
Early in the school year, take a proactive approach by sending a well-crafted letter or email to your child's teacher(s). This is your opportunity to advocate for your child's success and ensure they receive the support they need. Remember, approach this communication from a place of understanding and collaboration, not just emotion.
Here's a breakdown of what to include in your letter:
By providing this comprehensive information early in the school year, you're setting the stage for a positive and supportive educational experience for your child with ADHD.
Simple adjustments can make a significant difference for children with ADHD in the classroom. It's important to focus on what works for each individual child, even if it means trying new approaches.
The typical school environment, with its many distractions and opportunities for the mind to wander, can be challenging for students with ADHD. This can lead to anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and difficulty reaching their full potential.
The following adjustments are based on professional, medical considerations specifically tailored to the needs of children with ADHD. We encourage you to implement these adjustments to support your students' success.
To ensure students with ADHD can perform to their full potential during exams, specific adjustments are crucial. These recommendations are based on the unique needs of children with ADHD and can create a fairer testing environment.
Small changes to the classroom environment and teaching approach can significantly benefit students with ADHD. These adjustments can help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and foster a positive learning experience:
Understanding your child's ADHD and advocating for their needs in school is a crucial step towards their success.
If you're ready to provide the best possible support for your child, we invite you to:
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. With the right knowledge, tools, and support, your child with ADHD can achieve their full potential.
Keep yourself and your clinical team up to date with your ADHD symptoms and includes many useful tools.