Starting Strong: Tips for ADHD Families to Begin School Well

Hey Parents! It’s August, and if you have kids in school you know that means soaking up some last days of summer and preparing for the school year ahead.  You’re placing online orders, going to the mall, buying backpacks, classroom supplies and new outfits.  But for families where ADHD is present, there are a few other layers of preparation that can help kids have their best experience as a new school year begins.  Just as you spend time buying backpacks and sneakers, August is a good time to put your family’s school year ADHD plan together.  Below here are a few ideas to help you do that:

PREPARE AHEAD FOR CHANGES, ADJUSTMENTS, & TRANSITIONS

New teachers, new schools, new grade-level expectations, new policies and procedures, new student faces…it’s a lot for any student, but for a neurodiverse student it can sometimes feel overwhelming.  If your child is going to a new school, try to visit campus before the first day or get there extra early to make sure your child knows where his or her classrooms are.  If they’re too old for Mom and Dad to be walking around with them, find a buddy that will agree to walk with them to find their classrooms.  During the first week there is often a lot of new school year orientation information sent home.  Go over the information for your kids’ classes with them – talk together so that your child knows that you know what they will be dealing with this year. 

DESIGN YOUR FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN

Structure is important for ADHD brains.  As a parent, you can help provide that structure during the school year by developing a plan for regular communication about school.  The benefits of a regular check-in time about school are huge, because when there’s no built-in time to communicate many kids either won’t talk about it or will only bring something up when it’s bad or has gotten to an extreme place.  Regular check-ins give you a chance to not just be the emergency responder when things go bad, but to be the encourager and cheerleader when things are going smoothly or well.  Design the plan with your child and make it realistic:  a 15 minute check in every day probably won’t happen, but maybe every Sunday evening it could - especially if it’s attached to something fun like getting ice cream or playing Legos together.  Talk about how it’s going for them academically as well as socially.  Look at the lesson plans for the coming week, ask them what they felt went well and where they need help.   It’s a win-win because not only do you get important information about your child’s school experience, you and your child get special time together on a regular basis.

LEARN THE SCHOOL'S TECH PLATFORMS

Schools deliver most of their important information electronically, whether it’s announcements, newsletters, lesson plans, or grade books.  For ADHD brains managing a variety of tech platforms can sometimes feel overwhelming.  Get to know how your school’s tech platforms work so that if your child is ever struggling you can look at them together and you can help your child figure out what they need to do.

KNOW THE ACCOMMODATIONS YOUR CHILD HAS ACCESS TO

If your child has been given a neurodivergent diagnosis, your school will have and IEP, 504 plan, or some other kind of education plan that will provide your child with accommodations at school to help them.  Go over the accommodations with your child at the beginning of the school year and decide which ones could be the most helpful for them.  Teachers will be aware of their plans and are happy to work within them to help your child succeed.

DEVELOP YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

The morning chores of waking up, getting dressed, getting to the car and getting to school can be crazy for anyone, but especially for families where ADHD is present. Plan with your child a routine for the morning school preparation that can work for you both. Choose outfits and lay them out the night beforehand. Go to the store and have your child pick out new toothbrushes, hair supplies, and toiletries that are interesting to them - interest is key for engaging ADHD brains. Have a healthy bite to eat that they love. If they struggle to wake up, figure out together what method works best to get them out of bed - you promise to do your part and they promise to do theirs. Remind them in the morning of what the plan is. It may take some time, but a structured, regular, morning routine with as much interest as you can involve will help everyone!

BE EXCITED!!

A new school year is filled with transitions, adjustments and lots of new things to learn, but it’s also filled with opportunities for your child to take initiative, learn about their unique strengths, problem-solve, hone their social skills, and develop resilience.  Your excitement and positivity about what can lie ahead for them is contagious and will fill their tanks with confidence and courage. 

Parents, you got this.  Have a wonderful new school year!  -- Ellen

Next Month: Tips for college students with ADHD