Educating a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex task. One must take into considerations the child's abilities and limitations as well as his or her support base.
The following, based on guidelines outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), are tips and tools for working with the parents and caregivers of children with ADHD:
The first step parents or caregivers should take is to find the proper healthcare provider for their child's needs. Due to the similarity between the symptoms of ADHD and other childhood psychiatric disorders, a diagnosis of ADHD is often not simple. Therefore, the chosen healthcare provider should have expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating children with psychiatric disorders.
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, his or her parent or caregiver should discuss treatment with their chosen doctor. Parents should be encouraged to ask questions so that they may be equipped with all the knowledge needed to make accurate decisions surrounding their child's treatment. Parents and caregivers should be made aware of the importance of a balanced and well-rounded action plan and note that while medication has been proven to be effective for many children, it should be used in conjunction with other treatment, not in place of.
Parents should be encouraged to have open dialogues with you and other key figures in their children's lives, including other caregivers and healthcare providers. It is important that everyone be kept aware of any changes in the child's treatment, particularly the start, restart, or dosing changes in medication.
Encourage parents to congratulate children on changes you've witnessed in your classroom—improved grades, positive interaction with you and classmates, etc. While medication and therapy allow the child's natural abilities to emerge, the team of caregivers is essential for helping the child truly achieve success.
Environment plays a crucial role in the equation. A well-structured classroom can alleviate unwarranted pressure that can result from a chaotic environment; one that places unreal expectations on the child can also be detrimental.
Try to set the child at ease about being treated for his or her condition. Be clear that he or she is not to blame for having ADHD and that it is not some form of retribution for misbehaving. Engage the child to be an active participant in the treatment process so that he or she remains clear about what his or her role is in the disease and what is within his or her ability to manage.
More Tips
Based on suggestions from The American Academy of Family Doctors.
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