ADHD Guide

Many parents ask about ADHD and how to cope with it at school. It is something that I am interested in on a daily basis, and I am constantly looking for new strategies and research so that students that are effected can be more successful in the classroom. Check out this

Parents Medication Guide

published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association. In addition to the risks and benefits of certain types of medicine, it also give practical advice for teachers and parents.

ADHD has many effects on learning. Often students are distracted during instruction and miss key concepts. I hear from parents all the time, "He/she is a smart kid and used to excel at school." As the concepts become more difficult these students fall farther behind. They require certain accommodations in order to be successful.

Students with ADD and ADHD may qualify for support through special education services. Keep in mind the diagnosis comes from a doctor and not the teacher or school diagnostician. The school can provide valuable information as far as what type of learner the student is and types of distractions and academic challenges they face. Teachers asses reading levels and math assessment for all students. They can also provide information about the student's behavior. More formal assessments can be done to rule out learning disabilities if that is suspected. All of that information can be shared with a pediatrician. The decision to medicate is ultimately between you, your family and your doctor.