How Schools can Support Children with ADHD.

ADHD is a neurological condition that impacts the brain's executive functions, making it difficult to control behaviour, plan, focus and execute tasks. It currently affects around 2.6 million people in the UK, including around 5% of children. In the school environment, with halls and classrooms bustling with hundreds of children, it can be difficult to pinpoint those with ADHD, to help them thrive.

In this article, we aim to highlight the unique ways schools can adapt to their ADHD students, possibly enabling you as a parent to feel more secure in knowing what can be done for your child. Or, if your child is just starting school, this is something you can chat about with your child’s teacher.

How ADHD is Diagnosed in Children

To spot the signs of ADHD in your child, symptoms tend to present from an early age and become apparent when the child reaches school age. Often, children start school before their ADHD is diagnosed and teachers tend to be the first to notice signs. An ADHD assessment and diagnosis usually consists of physical examinations, a series of interviews with the child, and reports from parents, carers, and teachers. The NHS states that a child must display 6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness, or 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, continuously, for at least 6 months and display them in at least 2 different settings, before the age of 12.

How ADHD can Affect Children at School

Children with ADHD can be affected at school in many ways, hindering their ability to “keep up” with their peers, or join in. Possible ways ADHD may affect your child in the school setting are:

• Inattention and poor concentration.

• Difficulty listening and paying attention.

• Being continuously distracted.

• Lack of awareness.

• Poor time management.

• Constantly moving and difficulty remaining quiet.

• Difficulty controlling impulses.

• Difficulty regulating emotions.

How Schools can Support Children in the Classroom

There are many ways teachers and other educational professionals can help students with ADHD get the most out of their school life. By no means are we brushing over the fact that teachers are extremely overworked, but many schools are adopting a more diverse approach to teaching nowadays, which is an extremely positive step in the right direction.

1.     Understanding and Awareness.

Ensuring that you as the parent and then your child’s teachers and other educational professionals have a clear understanding of your child’s diagnosis is the best way to equip your child to succeed in school. 

2.     Tailor the Support.

Children with ADHD tend to manage better with one-to-one attention in the form of a learning support assistant. If this isn’t possible then developing a structured support plan with your child’s teachers is a great next step, such as an IEP (individualised education plan) where accommodations can be made such as time extensions on assignments, preferential seats, and frequent breaks.

3.     Classroom Adjustments.

Removing distracting stimuli is important in the classroom, such as sitting next to a window or next to less well-behaved students, the front of the class is usually a good place, however, it is important that the child feels ok with this and not singled out or isolated. Establishing clear routines is also important, that are easy to follow.

4.     Make Tasks More Manageable.

Being faced with a big task can often overwhelm a student with ADHD, therefore breaking it down with them into smaller, more manageable tasks can help them complete it much quicker and with relative ease.

5.     Adopt Positive Strategies.

Positive reinforcement is widespread in UK schools and this approach works well for those with ADHD. Rewarding positive behaviour with praise and ignoring negative behaviours can help children with ADHD understand their environment better, especially if followed with a clear explanation.

6.     Allow Time to be Physical.

This can help the hyperactive and impulsive side of ADHD. Giving children time to move and shake out pent-up energy from sitting in the classroom can work wonders for their brains and focus. It is important to remember that many individuals with ADHD find it difficult to remain still, so a level of sympathy must be held at all times.

Keep Your Child’s Teacher Informed

Keeping your teacher informed is imperative to ensure your child’s support in the classroom. Your child's teacher will be able to advise whether they need an individualised educational program or changes to their learning environment. Regularly discuss your child’s progress and ask for updates or face-to-face meetings.

It’s important to remember that ADHD is not an illness, it means that an ADHD brain works differently from most neuro-typical people. ADHD can absolutely be seen as a superpower, especially among children at school who are able to utilise their innovation and creativity, their resilience, and their ability to hyperfocus to their advantage.

Big School Changes? A Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester Could Help

If you suspect that your child may have ADHD or has an ADHD diagnosis, it is important to keep lines of communication open with their teachers. To gain an ADHD assessment as quickly and efficiently as possible, it is advisable to use an ADHD clinic, such as Beyond, a private ADHD clinic in Manchester.

If you would like to speak to one of Beyond’s friendly and personal team about obtaining an ADHD assessment for your child, you can get in touch here.