There are over 49 million students in grades K-12 in the United States. The American Psychiatric Association (2000) estimates that 3-5% of the school-age population has an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). So on any given day, roughly 1.5-2.5 million children diagnosed with ADHD are heading off to school each year. Although the start of the new school year is exciting as students get ready to meet new teachers, and make new friends, they also face the challenge of a new grade-level. These simultaneous adjustments and transitions after the summer break may be especially difficult for those children with ADHD. Below are some tips for helping your child start off the new school year successfully.
1. Notebook Holder- Consider purchasing a large notebook holder that zips closed all the way around. The notebook holder should be large enough to hold all the folders for each of your child’s classes/subjects. This will minimize the likelihood that a folder will be misplaced, left behind in a previous class or lost.
2. Folders- Have one folder designated for each class. Also have a separate homework folder to help your child stay organized with homework assignments and projects.
3. Pencil Box/Pouch- These are great for helping your child keep their writing utensils together. Have your child place their pencils, pens, erases, sharpeners, crayons, and rulers in the box/pouch at the beginning of each week and replenish it as needed.
4. Backpacks/Messenger Bags- All students should be encouraged to use a backpack/messenger bag. Be sure to check with the school to determine if rolling backpacks are permitted. If your child is in middle school and has a school locker, make sure to get a backpack that will fit in the locker.
5. Medication- If your child is taking any medication but especially if they are taking medication to address their ADHD symptoms, please make sure you schedule an appointment with their pediatrician/psychiatrist for a check up prior to the start of school. Don’t forget to have a current prescription and 30-day supply on hand.
6. Medication At School- Discuss with your child’s pediatrician/psychiatrist about the availability of a longer acting ADHD medication. This may minimize the likelihood that a dosage while have to be administered during school hours. If this option is unavailable, then speak with the school administrators regarding authorization forms for medication administration at school.
7. Transportation- Two weeks before school starts, review with your child how they will get to and from school. Review the route and be sure they understand where they are to wait safely for their bus. Place an index card with the contact information of the private bus driver in your child’s backpack. Also provide the school with this contact information in the event the bus is running late. School administrators may need to contact the private bus company/driver to determine their estimated time of arrival and reassure your child they will be picked up.
8. Walking Home- If your child walks home from school, then it is very important that you walk the route with them several times. Be sure to remind your child that under no circumstance are they to cross the street on a green light or outside of a crosswalk.
9. Breakfast and Lunch- Make sure your child starts the day off with a good breakfast. Quick breakfast choices can include cereal and milk, oatmeal, toast, yogurt, fruit and juice. If your child does not buy lunch at school be sure to create a well-balanced lunch that includes all of the recommended food groups.
10. Correspondence- Designate a folder for all correspondence to and from the school. Have your child place their field trip permission forms, letters, progress notes, report cards, etc in this folder for easy access and review.
11. Keys- Place the house key on a key ring or key chain if your child has to let him/herself into the house. If your child is younger, consider having it pinned to the inside of their backpack.
12. Introductions- Go out to the school and briefly introduce yourself to your child’s teacher(s) and the school staff. Provide the teacher with an index card with your contact information and encourage them to call you with reports on your child’s academic and behavioral progress.
13. 504 Plan/IEP- Review your child’s 504 Plan and/or Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Ask questions and discuss any concerns with your child’s teacher(s) and the school psychologist.
14. Appointments and Meetings- Be sure to keep appointments for your child’s pediatrician, psychiatrist, therapist, etc. Do not discontinue or alter your child’s medication dosage without the medical doctor’s knowledge or authorization. If you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting at your child’s school, ask to call in and have a telephone conference.
15. Reward! Reward! Reward! – Children with ADHD benefit from both daily and weekly reinforcers. Implement a reward system in which your child can earn points everyday. Allow your child to redeem their points for small privileges like telephone time, playtime or computer time. Larger weekly rewards may include movies, picnics, or time with friends.
About the Author:
Felecia D. Sheffield, PhD, is an author, trainer, international speaker and life coach. Dr. Sheffield has over 15 years of experience providing services to parents, schools, colleges, universities, and social services agencies. For additional parenting articles, ADHD, LD and college resources visit http://www.psychcore.com
Copyright © 2007, Felecia D. Sheffield. PhD. All Rights Reserved Worldwide in all Media. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, leave my name and author bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers
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