PHPS Stories

According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) website, a respected resource, ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is a life-span disorder that can be diagnosed in children as young as 4 years old. Since there are different levels of severity, the appearance of ADHD symptoms can vary from child to child. Understanding ADHD is important to support those you love with ADHD. Knowledge is critical to provide awareness and teaching self-advocacy to help a child navigate through elementary school and beyond. 

ADHD has been researched and many have written about its symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, and how to cope with ADHD. 

The following recommendations from Homework Help found on the CHADD website can help create an environment for a child with ADHD to be more successful with their homework assignments. 

• Before getting started, make sure your child has the supplies needed to do homework: planners, daily checklists, folders, pens, timer, etc. 
• Involve your child in setting up the space to help figure out what works best for him or her early in the school year. 
• Remove or minimize things that distract or cause stress. Position desks or tables so they face away from doors or windows and relocate the television. 
• If possible, find an open space or accessible room with good lighting. An uncluttered table or desk available is a good idea. 
• Help your child read the homework directions…highlight the central part, questions, and instructions. 
• Write down important information so it can be accessed easily. 
• Set up a consistent time for your child to do homework…establish routines and expectations. 
• Use a timer to manage attention and help your child stay on task. 
• Schedule short breaks (5–10 minutes). 
• Encourage your child to move around during breaks. 

Keep in mind that your child’s strongest advocate is you. You do not need to know everything, just be ready to model how to advocate so your child can feel comfortable advocating for themselves.

Resources: 

https://chadd.org 

Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey