Back to School! This can be an exciting time for many kids. But for kids with ADHD and other executive function challenges, school can be a difficult and highly stressful experience. ADHD is often combined with Anxiety Disorders, Learning Disorders, sensory and cognitive processing difficulties, to name a few. These kids are bright and loving and creative and full of possibilities. They may also struggle to keep up in class, make and sustain friendships, work out differences, manage big feelings, stay on the good side of teachers and just feel in sync with the school environment.
Studies show kids with ADHD receive thousands more corrective statements from teachers and other adults than their neurotypical peers. Their fellow classmates are keenly aware of this, which often times results in a hesitation to form friendships and, worse, intentional teasing and bullying. It can feel as if the child has a target on their back. Over time this leads to low self esteem, chronic anxiety and a general lack of agency and competency in the school environment.
Science has made many advancements in understanding the ADHD brain. What was once seen as a behavior disorder and lack of attention is now understood as a different brain structure. These kids can be highly successful and do great things with the right supports in place. As parents and educators, our greatest gift is to understand the ADHD brain and how we can advocate and accommodate for our kids, to set them up for success and make school a welcoming place. The good news is there are many resources available to help parents and educators do just that. Below are a few that you might find helpful:
Advocacy and Accomodations – Teacher relationships
Meet the Teacher: How to Build Relationships This Back-to-School Season [Video Replay & Podcast]
What I Wish My Son’s Teachers Knew About Him and ADHD (Use this template to write a letter
Your Most Important Back-to-School List: 10 Conversations Every Parent Should Have [Blog]introducing your student)[Blog]
How to Prepare Your Child for School Meetings [Article]
How to Build a Better IEP or 504 Plan for Your Child with ADHD [Video Replay & Podcast]
How to Prepare Your Child for School Meetings [Article]
Back to School Prep
10 Things to do Before School Starts [Blog]
Relieving Back-to-School Anxiety: Strategies for Caregivers and Educators of Anxious Students [Video Replay & Podcast]
Nurturing Resilience and Motivation in Children with ADHD: The Search for ‘Islands of Competence’” [Video Replay & Podcast]
How to Help ADHD Brains Follow Directions the First Time [Blog]
How to Boost Self Esteem in Kids [Blog]
Understanding ADHD
7 Surprising Ways ADHD Shows Up in the Classroom [Blog]
The Importance of a Sensory Diet for your Child [Blog]
What Is Executive Function? 7 Deficits Tied to ADHD [Blog]
Neurodivergent Kids Are My Favorite Students [Blog]
A Parent’s Guide to ADHD at School [eBook, $12.95]
First, Learn to Listen. Then, Listen to Learn. [Blog]
Secrets of the ADHD Brain – Understanding the ADHD nervous system [Blog}
Homework strategies
Homework Strategies That Really Work [Blog]
Easily Distracted? How to Tune Out Distractions & Focus on School [Blog]
The ADHD Homework Survival Guide [eBook, $9.95]
9 Constructive Fidgets That Promote Focus [Blog]
When Focus Is Fleeting — and Painful [Blog]
Secrets of Your ADHD Brain – Understanding ADHD’s Unique Nervous System [Blog]
For Teachers and Parents
10 Part Back-to-School Master Class from ADDitude [Video Replay – Webinar]
Behavior Problems at School: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide for Parents [Blog]
The Educator’s Guide to Executive Functions: How to Understand and Support Students in Need [Blog] and a worksheet on executive function with strategies.
Teaching Executive Functions to Children with ADHD: A Course for Teachers (and Parents) [Video Replay & Podcast #247]
A Parent’s Guide to Problem-Solving School Behavior Struggles [Video Replay & Podcast]
When Parenting Breaks You – We all feel overwhelmed at times. Here’s what to do about it. [Blog]
Screen Use Tips for Families – Simple ways to help set boundaries. [Blog]
The Power of Yes – One of the most difficult things that comes up with parenting elementary aged kids is managing their need and want of control. This may be control related to rules, decisions, playing, or even the tasks of daily living. How to use Positive Psychology to help influence better outcomes and independence in children.
This is a link to an Executive Function Summit from Summer 2022 which includes 30 workshops from coaches, clinicians and authors. This pass provides all access to the videos and bonus material.
More resources based on your specific needs.
