Ask the Child Psychologist

Category: ADHD

Strategies to help child with ADHD succeed

In my previous blog post, I discussed ways a parent can access school accommodations for a student diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Now, I will discuss some strategies that can be a part of a Section 504 plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

These tools also can be utilized by classroom teachers without a formal plan. Be aware that each child is unique and the evaluation by a multi-disciplinary team or a psychologist should help identify the specific challenges resulting from having ADHD. Once we have a good understanding of a child's needs, we can come up with appropriate interventions to help.

Here are some common accommodations that can help students with ADHD:

• Preferential seating: The child can be placed in close proximity to the teacher to help maintain eye contract and keep the child on task. Often a verbal or physical cue can be created by the teacher and student to remind the child to stay focused.
• Extra set of books: For children who are chronically forgetful, the school can sometimes provide an extra set of books that stay at home.
• Allow breaks: Some children have a very difficult time staying in their seat and might do better if they get breaks to move around the back of the class or be allowed to have an object to hold (some examples include a Koosh Ball, Silly Putty, two pieces of Lego).
• A clear communication plan between the parents and teacher: Because many children with ADHD are forgetful and disorganized they may not be so reliable when asked if they have homework or whether they brought home necessary supplies. Many schools now have parent online access programs where homework and grades are posted. Other teachers have a Web page or a blog detailing work. In other cases, a system over e-mail or notes in a planner can be helpful.
• Plan to teach organization skills: Several kids with ADHD-related challenges will have very messy desks and lockers. In fact, when I am assessing for ADHD I will ask what the child's desk, backpack and locker look like. Some kids need a weekly time when a parent, teacher or even a peer helps reorganize the child's desk or locker. Papers can be purged and corrected papers filed in color coded folders.
• Modified assignments: In some cases where a child has extreme difficulty sustaining attention, assignments can be shortened. For example, a teacher may only require the child to do odd number problems. Another option would be to break up larger assignments into smaller ones. Usually, the teacher can be helpful here.
• Create a home daily report card: A few goals can be established such as staying at his/her desk and following directions. Depending on the child's age and ability, the teacher and child can rate how they did. The child can earn points on the card to earn rewards from a menu either given out at home or school. Rewards could include extra free time, chance to do a job, or free choice of a dessert when they get home.
• Self monitoring: The child can be trained to observe his behavior during segments of time and record this on a card. Sometimes a tape recording of nonintrusive beeps can run that cues the child to check on his behavior.

These ideas are far from exhaustive and just scratch the surface of the many ways we can help students with ADHD succeed in school. Maintaining a good working relationship and open communication with your child's school can help tremendously. Additionally, many great resource books are available with educational strategies and ideas.

Family conference on Nov. 8
Sandra Rief, M.A., will be highlighting this year's Anita Naftaly Jewish Family Circle Conference on Nov. 8 in Southfield, which is open to the public. Rief has written several extremely helpful books, including a best-selling ADHD book called, "How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD". By utilizing resources and developing strategies we can make sure all children with ADHD can have every opportunity to succeed.