4 Tips to Help a Child with ADHD Succeed in School

Teacher-Helping-StudentRaising a child with ADHD is tough. If you feel overwhelmed with helping your child succeed in school you are not alone. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is one of the most common mental health disorders of childhood. The symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity – can be challenging for parents and teachers.

Erika Garlisch, a behavioral health clinician with the Children’s MOSAIC Project at Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, offers four tips for parents and caregivers to help a child struggling with the symptoms of ADHD succeed in school.

  1. Connect with your child’s teacher. The first step in setting your child up for success at school is to be actively involved in their education. It’s important for a parent to attend meetings at school regarding their child, so they know what’s going on in the classroom.
  2. Be proactive. If you think your child has ADHD, talk to his or her primary care physician or your child’s teacher and set up an appointment for your child to be tested. Or call your local community mental health center to find out more about how to get your child assessed for ADHD. Early intervention can help prevent failures that could lead to more problems, such as low self-esteem.
  3. Do your homework. Parents with children who have ADHD can feel more informed if they look at the latest research on resources and strategies to help their child succeed in school. Often parents are surprised when they realize their child’s challenging behaviors are symptoms of ADHD.
  4. Get support. Raising a child with ADHD isn’t always easy, and it can be very helpful to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. Parents should look into attending parent education groups or getting professional support that will assist them with learning about ADHD and how to best support their child.

Want more information? Call The Children’s Center at 217-757-7700 or visit MHCCI.org for resources on ADHD.