Working With Your ADHD Child's School

By Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD
From the Living With ADHD Blog Series

As a family doctor, I interact with children who have ADHD on a regular basis. One thing that often amazes me is how great a help some teachers, schools and districts can be, while others seem like they actively trying to obstruct the child’s development!

Let's focus on strategies to maximize your child’s chances of getting quality help from the school system.

#1. You are your child’s best advocate!

If your child is struggling in school, it is important to remember that YOU are your child’s most passionate advocate. I have seen too many semesters and even years wasted because parents waited for the teachers to set a corrective plan in action for a child’s ADHD. While there are some really great teachers out there who may take the task upon themselves, most just don't have the time. It is YOU who needs to be proactive and ask to meet with your child's teacher.

When interacting with teachers and the school system, it is important to remember:

Most people go into teaching because they want to help children. Your child’s school is predominantly filled with people who want to help your child and want your child to succeed.
Budget and time constraints often spread teachers and administrators time, talent and energy so thin that individuals do sometimes slip through the cracks.
Your child’s teacher is trying to keep track of around 30 students.
NO ONE CARES FOR YOUR CHILD AS MUCH AS YOU DO!

I like to remind parents of these facts, because as your child’s advocate, it is important to be persistent and firm, yet, also a team player that understands the limitations your child's school and teachers are faced with. They really DO want the best for your child, but they might need to be made aware of the things your child is struggling with.

This first point really is the most important thing you need to remember when it comes to working with your ADHD child's school. In my next blog, I'll go over some tips for having that first conversation with your child's teacher.

Stay Healthy,

Dr. Jeff M.D.

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Living With ADHD Series
A blog series by Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD.Next:How To Talk To Your Child's Teacher About ADHD Previously:6 Tips For Harnessing Your Hyperfocus