Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children worldwide. The childhood disorder can make it difficult for children to focus, follow instructions, and complete tasks. As a result, children with ADHD may struggle academically and have difficulties in school.
As a parent, watching your child struggle in school can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, with the right support and strategies, parents can help their children with ADHD succeed academically.
Let’s talk about ADHD, explore the effects of ADHD on children academically, and how you can help your child with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a complex condition that affects children’s ability to control their attention, impulses, and activity levels.
Typically, it is diagnosed during childhood, but the symptoms can persist into adulthood. The exact causes of ADHD are still being researched, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and certain neurological factors.
Impact on Academic Performance
Children with ADHD often face challenges in the academic setting due to their difficulties in attention and impulsivity. These challenges can manifest in various ways:
- Inattention: Children with ADHD struggle to maintain focus, easily getting distracted by external stimuli or their own thoughts. This can lead to difficulties in following teacher’s instructions, organizing tasks, and completing assignments in school.
- Hyperactivity: Hyperactive behavior, such as excessive fidgeting or restlessness, can make it hard for children with ADHD to sit still in class and concentrate for extended periods. This may also affect their ability to engage in structured learning activities.
- Impulsivity: Children with ADHD may act on their impulses without thinking through the consequences. This impulsivity can lead to impulsive decision-making in class, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for their turn.
These difficulties can result in academic underachievement, poor grades, and lower self-esteem. Children with ADHD may struggle to keep up with their peers and experience frustration or feelings of inadequacy.
How Can You Help?
There are many things that parents and teachers can do to help children with ADHD succeed academically. Here are a few tips:
Get Them Help from a Psychiatrist
They have specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including ADHD. They can evaluate the child’s symptoms and medical history and conduct assessments to diagnose ADHD accurately.
Psychiatrists work closely with the child, parents, and educators to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may involve a combination of medication, therapy, and other psychiatric treatments to address the child’s specific needs.
Furthermore, psychiatrists can work closely with teachers and school staff to create an optimal learning environment for children with ADHD. They can provide guidance on classroom accommodations, specialized teaching techniques, and behavior management strategies.
Collaborate with Teachers and School
Collaborating with your child’s teachers and school staff can help ensure a successful school year. It’s advisable to meet with teachers at the beginning of the year to discuss your child’s needs and challenges. You can also ask for their suggestions and recommendations for supporting your child.
Communicate regularly throughout the year to get updates on your child’s progress and to make any necessary adjustments to their academic plan.
Additionally, you should consider working with your child’s school to create an individualized education plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These plans outline specific academic goals, support services, and accommodations your child needs to succeed.
Create a Structured Environment
It’s a well-known fact that children with ADHD thrive on structure and routine. Therefore, creating a structured environment at home can help your child stay on track and ease the transition to school.
Create a routine with fixed times for waking up, eating meals, and completing homework. It’s ideal to keep a calendar or whiteboard with the schedule of events, such as school assignments, extracurricular activities, and appointments. This can help your child stay organized and on top of their responsibilities.
You should also aim to minimize distractions by removing unnecessary noise and visual distractions.
Teach Study Skills
Children with ADHD may struggle with studying and completing homework. Teach your child effective study skills, such as breaking tasks into smaller chunks and using a timer to stay focused. You should also encourage your child to take frequent breaks during homework.
Practice Positive Reinforcement
Children with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem and negative self-talk, which can impact their academic performance.
As a parent, you can help boost your child’s confidence and motivation by practicing positive reinforcement. Celebrate their academic successes and encourage them to keep trying, even when they face challenges.
It’s recommended to focus on their strengths and help them develop their talents and interests. By practicing positive reinforcement, you can help your child stay motivated and engaged in their academic pursuits.
ADHD Psychiatrist in White Plains, NY
ADHD can be a challenging disorder for children and parents alike, but with the right support and strategies, children with ADHD can succeed academically.
If you think your child is showing symptoms of ADHD or their ADHD is impacting their performance in school, consult an ADHD psychiatrist here at Psyhance. Our highly trained and compassionate mental health professional, William da Silva, not only offers cutting-edge, evidence-based medical care combined with holistic treatment methods to treat ADHD in children but also provides parents and teachers with all the support and guidance they need to help ADHD children in school.
To know more about our services or to schedule a consultation with one of our outstanding ADHD psychiatric nurse practitioners, call us today at (914) 494-5395 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.