Does your child have ADHD? Here's how to help him at school! (ADHD and School)

Is your child not paying attention to schoolwork? Does he seem to have trouble staying in one place? Maybe he's a little too fidgety? If so, this could be a condition called ADHD. Don't panic when you hear this, because the most important thing is to be aware of it. There are many things that can help a child like this at school. Shall we talk about it?

How does ADHD affect a child at school?

A child with ADHD ( Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ) may have a hard time paying attention, paying attention, and working hard at school. You may have noticed that these children are fidgety, fidgety, talk excessively, or even disrupt the work of others in the class.

Imagine, when the teacher is teaching a lesson in class, it can be very difficult for a child with ADHD to stay focused and concentrate on what is being said. Their mind is racing, perhaps they want to look out the window, or they want to watch what the child next to them is doing. Or they can't sit still and squirm, making small noises with their hands and feet. This is not something they do intentionally, it is part of the condition. Therefore, scolding the child will not help.

Additionally, some children with ADHD may struggle with other conditions called learning disabilities, which can make schoolwork even more difficult. For example, they may have specific difficulties with reading, writing, or math.

How do teachers recognize ADHD symptoms?

Often, children with ADHD start school before they are even fully aware of the condition. Parents may think their child is naughty or a little lazy. So, at times like these , teachers are often the first to notice signs of ADHD in their child. They are the ones who spend most of their time with their child.

They can talk to the child's parents about this. They may say, "Your son/daughter is acting a little different in class, seems less attentive, and sometimes disrupts other children." When the teacher says something like this, don't get upset, but listen carefully. The parents can then refer the child to a qualified doctor, perhaps a pediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to make sure that this is really ADHD, and if so, what its nature is.

How can teachers help a child with ADHD?

Once a doctor has confirmed that your child has ADHD, it is very important to inform all the teachers who teach your child. Tell this not only to the class teacher, but also to the teachers who teach other subjects. This will help them understand your child's needs, help them accordingly, and provide special attention in the classroom.

What are special education plans (IEP and 504 plan)?

Teachers can help you determine if your child needs an IEP (Individualized Education Program), or a 504 plan .

Although these are methods found in the American education system, in Sri Lanka there are also various methods at the school level to support children with special needs. The most important thing is to identify the special support the child needs, discuss it with the school, and tailor it to the child.

Simply put:

• IEP (Individualized Education Program): This is a written plan developed for your child. It provides special education services and related services (such as speech therapy) tailored to your child. Your child's teacher may suggest an evaluation to see if your child would benefit from an IEP.
• 504 plan: This plan also provides services and modifications to the learning environment to meet the child's needs. For example, this may include giving the child more time to write a test, or having them sit in a less disruptive area of ​​the classroom, or giving extra time for assignments.

In Sri Lanka, there are various programs and counseling services at the school level and the Ministry of Education level to support such children. The most important thing is to talk openly about this with your child's teacher and principal.

The importance of maintaining regular contact with teachers

Teachers can talk to you about your child's progress. Ask the teacher regularly about how your child is doing in school, what they are doing well, and what they are struggling with. Sometimes using a communication book, which you and the teacher can share notes about your child's progress, is a good way to share notes.

Imagine, if your child paid very close attention to a lesson in class today, the teacher can write it down in that book. Then you can praise your child at home, saying, 'Today the teacher said that you studied well, I'm very happy, son/daughter.' Also, if you notice something your child is having difficulty doing at home, or if you notice any changes in your child's behavior, you can also inform the teacher. This two-way exchange of information is very valuable.

Let's identify and help the child's special needs.

Teachers can focus on your child's specific needs. Because not all children with ADHD are the same. Everyone's challenges are different.

• Some children need help paying attention and managing distractions.
• Others need help with staying organized – things like books, a desk, and being on time.
• Some children are reluctant to start a task, or have difficulty finishing a task they have started.
• Some children with ADHD also have difficulty sitting still or working quietly.

Ask the teacher, 'How is my child's ADHD affecting him in the classroom? What can I do at home to help him with his schoolwork?' This open conversation is the best way to support your child.

What teachers can do to help their children succeed

Depending on what a child needs, a teacher can do many things in the classroom. Some of these include:

• Seat your child in a place with fewer distractions: For example, sit your child in a place with fewer distractions, such as near the window or door, at the front of the classroom, close to the teacher, and away from the window. This will help your child be less distracted by what is going on outside and what others are doing.
• Giving clear and concise instructions: Children with ADHD can easily understand short, clear, step-by-step instructions, such as 'first do this, then do that,' rather than long descriptions.
• Keep simple classroom routines and rules: It's easier for children to have a clear, consistent routine every day. Things like, 'When you come to class, put your bag here, arrange your books like this.' Then they know what's coming next.
• Be warm, encouraging, and positive with your child: Always praise your child for their efforts, no matter how small. Saying things like, "You worked really hard today, that's great," or "It's great that you tried to answer," will encourage your child. Encouragement is more effective than punishment.
• Organization: Things like helping your child keep their books and desk organized, helping them make a to-do list, and getting them used to using a calendar.
• Guide them to work slowly and without rushing: Children with ADHD often rush into work and make mistakes. It is important to remind them, 'Don't worry, take your time, and read the question carefully.'
• Giving prompts to keep you on track: If you get distracted while doing a lesson, give a quick reminder like, "What were we doing just now, son?" or give your child a pat on the shoulder to get their attention.
• Providing small breaks to move around in the classroom: Since it is difficult for students to stay in one place for a long time, giving them a small task (e.g., fetching the duster, bringing a book, bringing something to the teacher's desk) and giving them a chance to move around gives them a chance to move around a bit and release their energy.
• Allowing extra time to complete work: Some children may take a little longer than others to complete a task. Allowing them to do so is important, especially during exams.
• Teaching children to look back at their work and recognize careless mistakes: Teaching things like, 'Look at the answer you wrote again, see if there's a small mistake somewhere, is a number shifted, is a letter missing?'

How do you help older children (like A-level, O-level)?

For slightly older children, that is, children with ADHD in classes like O/L and A/L, teachers can also do things like:

• Teaching study skills: For example, teaching different note-taking techniques, how to make mind maps, how to read aloud, and how to prepare for tests and time management.
• Break down large, multi-step projects and assignments into smaller, more manageable chunks: When faced with a big task at once, children can feel overwhelmed and even reluctant to start. It's easier to break it down into smaller chunks, telling them, "First, finish this part this week, then this one." Think about a big project, breaking it down into chunks like "finding information," "organizing it," "writing a draft," and "finishing it," and giving each chunk a specific deadline.

The power of a teacher's positive attitude

More important than all of this is the teacher's attitude. Teachers can bring out the best in your child. When teachers see the best in their students, students begin to see the best in themselves. Teachers can give children the message that 'every child, whether they have ADHD or not, can grow, learn, and succeed.' This is very important for a child's self-esteem and motivation. When a teacher says, 'You can do this,' 'You are good,' 'If you try, it's not impossible,' the child will try to do it. A teacher who sees the child's strengths rather than their shortcomings is the greatest asset a child with ADHD can have.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, if your child has ADHD, don't panic. It's not the end of the world. It's not the child's fault, nor is it your fault. The most important thing is to understand the child and give him the support, love, and guidance he needs.

• First, get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD from a qualified doctor. Avoid self-diagnosis.
• Talk openly and honestly about this with your child's teachers. They are the most important people to help your child at school. Build a good partnership.
• Identify your child's strengths and encourage them. Every child is good at something. Find that and help them develop it.
• At home, teach your child to work in an orderly manner, follow a consistent routine, and practice paying attention. It's also good to accustom him to small household chores.
• Work with teachers to develop a learning methodology and support within the school that is appropriate for the child.
• Be patient and loving with your child. Some days will be difficult, but your support will be a great strength to your child. Praise your child's efforts.
• If necessary, consider things like counseling or behavioral therapy.

ADHD is not something that limits a child's abilities. We can manage it, make the most of the child's unique abilities, and help the child live a successful, happy life. You are not alone in this journey, and there are many doctors, teachers, and counselors who can help and guide you on this journey.

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