How to Support Your Child with ADHD in the Classroom (and Beyond)
We are now well into the school year. The newness has long faded and you have probably fallen back into a well worn routine.
As the school year settles in, many parents notice their child’s motivation start to fade. For many of my clients with ADHD, this can be a real moment of struggle. The initial motivation has worn off, interest wanes, and there just doesn’t seem to be a break in sight. However, it is never too late to create strategies that set you (or your student) up for success. Here are 3 practical ways to support focus, structure, and confidence, at school and at home.
1. Academic: ADHD School Accommodations for Academic Success
Many schools have a liaison that can assist with classroom accommodations for you or your student. Some academic accommodations can include:
Extended test times
Having a class notetaker
Written instructions
Recording lectures
Having a separate space to work/test
For grade school students, work with the school counselor to discuss IEP or 504 plan accommodations to see what may be best for your student. For information on college accommodations, see the National Center for College Students with Disabilities at www.nccsdonline.org.
2. Household Accommodations: ADHD Home Organization Strategies that Work
If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, you know all too well how these struggles appear: incomplete tasks, frequently losing items, disorganization, etc. Luckily, once we know where the problem lies, we can stop being surprised by it. Household adjustments that can help include:
Have a “dumping” station near the door. Have a designated area near your door where your child (or you) can drop the basics (shoes, backpack, lunch box, ect). This may also be helpful for your child’s work area to drop important documents and homework to increase chances of finding those items when they prepare to leave the next morning.
Use visual notes and lists. For areas where tasks require multiple steps, use sticky notes, white boards, or lists that outline each step. For example, use dry erase markers to list hygiene steps on the bathroom mirror (brush teeth, floss, deodorant, wash face) that your student can check off as they go and reset every night.
Use timers. Time is a concept that many people with ADHD struggle with. It can manifest as often being late or consistent procrastination. This is because ADHD operates in the immediate, not the long-term. However, time limitations can be highly motivating to the ADHD brain. Using timers can create “false pressure” to complete tasks. This timer can be helpful. I also have clients who curate playlists with music to help them track time and maintain routine.
3. Self-Care Strategies for ADHD Students
I have a confession: I hate the word self-care. I found the term to be overused and undervalued. However, there is no external factor that we can effectively change if your internal environment is not properly cared for.
ADHD is a disorder that greatly impacts executive functioning. Executive functioning is the type of thinking that allows you to plan ahead, problem solve, stay organized and perform complex tasks in your day-to-day life.
These difficulties will often manifest in how someone takes care of themselves. Individuals with ADHD can often struggle with their sleep quality and many medications used to treat ADHD impact appetite or diet. Our brains are wired to prioritize our basic survival needs, so if steps are not taken to correct these elements, there will be a constant cycle of internal chaos.
Here are some helpful steps to improve self care include:
Maintaining good sleep hygiene (I really like the practical tips found here).
Focus on snacks with higher protein content and lower sugar. If you still struggle with maintaining a good diet, it may be helpful to speak with your primary care physician or a dietician. If you are seeing a therapist at The And Way, we have a list of providers to whom we can refer you. Or if you feel your student needs therapy but you are not a patient with us, click here to inquire.
Hydrate, hydrate hydrate- I find my clients with ADHD like to find fun ways to hydrate such as finding their favorite bottle, drinking from a straw, alternating drinks, or using apps that gamify hydration.
Keep a regular routine that includes a time set for chores (even if it just one chore a day), personal hygiene, and screen free time.
All together, ADHD can make life challenging yet simple accommodations can make all the difference. You and your student want to be successful. Like many things in life, it is a team effort.
Written by Sarah Zhukov, LCSW
Hi! I’m Sarah, a licensed therapist and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, ADHD, anger, grief, and life transitions with a direct yet compassionate approach. As The Boundless Therapist (follow @theboundlesstherapist), I bring a global perspective to mental health, drawing on my experiences living and working abroad. Interested in working together? I would be honored to be a part of you or your child’s journey. Click here to reach each out today!
To connect with me directly: https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/sarah-zhukov
