Five signs school problems may be related to ADHD

For many children with ADHD, homework is an everyday nightmare.

Teachers can provide valuable information about academics, classroom behavior, and social skills. ADHD doesn't affect intelligence. If your child has attention deficit and is struggling academically, it is probably an indirect result of ADHD traits. ADHD may affect your child in the following ways:

Poor organizational skills

Your child might have trouble keeping materials organized or keeping track of books, pencils, or other school materials. He might have trouble planning projects or large assignments.

Homework challenges

For many children with ADHD, homework is an everyday nightmare. It takes several hours to complete assignments that non-ADHD children complete in 15 or 30 minutes because of the inability to stay focused. Your child might forget what the assignment is, or forget to bring home the books or materials needed to complete the homework. After spending hours doing homework, he might forget to hand it in or lose it somewhere between home and the classroom.

Inconsistency

You child might perform well one day and be totally off the following day. Inconsistency is a hallmark of ADHD and is confusing for so many parents. You wonder why your child can sit down and do his homework quickly one night and spend four hours on it the following night. Your think your child is deliberately misbehaving. This inconsistency is common in children with ADHD.

Distractibility

Lack of focus is a common symptom of ADHD. It means your child has a hard time focusing on tasks for extended periods, unless they are high-interest activities.

Trouble sitting still

Not all children with ADHD show signs of hyperactivity. However, those who do can't sit still. They need to get up and walk around, or are constantly fidgeting. Children with ADHD often get up inappropriate times during class, or they seem squirmy all of the time.

12 Steps To Smarter School Accommodations

1. Document warning signs.

Start compiling documents that substantiate the poor grades, behavior reports, and hurt feelings that

follow your child home from school.

2. Schedule a teacher meeting

Gather firsthand information while building important bridges

3. Pursue a diagnosis

Make an appointment with a medical professional who specializes in ADHD or learning disabilities, or with a neuropsychologist.

4. Request a school assessment

• Ask the school to assess your child's eligibility for special services
• Discuss the request - and supporting documents - in person with school officials.

5. Evaluate your options

Review the school's formal assessment results and recommendation of IEP, 504 Plan, or no services.

• Individualized Education Program (IEP): Children diagnosed with ADHD, who fall under the Other Health Impairments category of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may qualify for services if they also have an LD or another of the Act's named conditions.
• 504 Plan: Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides for in-classroom accommodations for students with disabilities. 504 Plans offer fewer protections than IEPs, but require fewer protections than IEPs, but require less extensive documentation.
• No Services Recommended: The school's evaluation concludes that the child's ADHD or learning disabilities will not be helped by accommodations.

6. If you disagree with the school's assessment

• Ask about informal classroom assistance, such as tutoring or teacher help.
• Make a formal written request for an independent evaluation.
• Request mediation or a due process hearing. (You may do this if you disagree at any stage with the IEP process.) Consider hiring an education advocate or attorney.

7. Prepare for your IEP/504 meeting

Following the school's evaluation, you will attend an IEP/504 meeting. In preparation, gather
documents demonstrating your child's strengths and weaknesses, including paperwork evaluated by the assessment team.

8. Research accommodations

• Develop a list of homework and classroom accommodations that will work for your child.
• Make copies for each person attending the IEP/504 meeting.

9. Draft IEP with the team

• Agree on your child's present levels of performance
• Develop detailed IEP goals with the school team
• Discuss proposed accommodations and services with your child's tutor, therapist, or psychologist before signing a written agreement.
• Sign the IEP. If you give only partial consent, the team will decide on the next steps.

10. Summarize the Conclusions

Follow up the IEP/504 meeting by restating all agreed-upon goals, accommodations, and processes in thank-you notes to the school team members.

11. Track progress against goals

• Agree on a communication plan with teachers
• Maintain a file for your child's schoolwork and document all contact with school.
• Schedule periodic reviews with teachers.

12. Review and reassess

• The IEP team must meet annually
  Parents may request a meeting at any time if they feel changes are needed or the IEP is not being followed.
• Prepare for meetings by organizing and copying all relevant materials.
• If the school remains uncompliant, request mediation or a due process hearing.