Talking to Your ADHD Child's Teacher

If your child has ADHD, talking to his teacher may bewhether they are likely related to ADHD, and what
the most important thing you can do to help himyou can do about them.
function more effectively at school in spite of hisYour child's teacher will need to know what ADHD
ADHD, and maybe even because of the ADHD.medications your child is taking, even if he doesn't take
Most teachers want to help their students, and mostthem at school. Also explain any other ADHD
teachers have had ADHD kids in their classes before,treatments your child is receiving, including therapy or
if they've been teaching long. In general, teachers wantspecial diet.
to understand ADHD and the ADHD child and inFinally, find out if your ADHD child can get any special
particular they want to understand your child, theirservices. If you are in a public school in the United
student.States, the answer to this is yes, there are
Your first step in talking to a teacher about youraccomodations available for ADHD kids. Private
ADHD child should be to simply explain that your childschools or schools outside the U.S. will have different
has ADHD, that it ADHD is a common childhood illness,ADHD accomodations.
and that you and your child's doctor are ready toIf you feel you haven't gotten the results you hoped
provide any information the teacher requires aboutfor by talking to your ADHD child's teacher, or if the
ADHD, including a list of books and web sites thatteacher feels there is more that can be done, you can
discuss teaching the ADHD child.also talk to a guidance counselor. These specialists
Next, ask if your child is having any problems in themay know more about ADHD than your average
classroom or on the playground. If your ADHD child isteacher and may be able to help.
having problems at school, find out what they are,