Interventions for high school students with ADHD
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Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience more obstacles in their path to success than the average student. The symptoms of ADHD, such as inability to pay attention, difficulty sitting still, and difficulty controlling impulses, can make it hard for children with this diagnosis to do well in school. To meet the needs of children with ADHD, schools may offer
Classroom Treatment Strategies for ADHD StudentsThere are some school-based management strategies shown to be effective for ADHD students: behavioral classroom management and organizational training.1 Parents report that only about 1 in 3 children with ADHD receive behavioral classroom management.2 The behavioral classroom management approach encourages a student’s positive behaviors in the classroom, through a reward systems or a daily report card, and discourages their negative behaviors. This teacher-led approach has been shown to influence student behavior in a constructive manner, increasing academic engagement. Although tested mostly in elementary schools, behavioral classroom management has been shown to work students of all ages.1 Organizational training teaches children time management, planning skills, and ways to keep school materials organized in order to optimize student learning and reduce distractions. This management strategy has been tested with children and adolescents.1 These two management strategies require trained staff—including teachers, counselors, or school psychologists—follow a specific plan to teach and support positive behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the school environment, program, or placement is a part of any ADHD treatment plan. AAP also recommends teacher-administered behavior therapy as a treatment for school-aged children with ADHD. You can talk to your child’s healthcare provider and teachers about working together to support your child. Special Education Services and AccommodationsMost children with ADHD receive some school services, such as special education services and accommodations. There are two laws that govern special services and accommodations for children with disabilities:
The support a child with ADHD receives at school will depend on if they meet the eligibility requirements for one of two federal plans funded by IDEA and Section 504: an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. What are the main differences between the two Plans?IEPs provide individualized special education services to meet the unique needs of the child. A 504 Plan provides services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child as adequately as other students.3 Learn more about IEP and 504 Plans [PDF – 2.75 MB] AccommodationsIEP and 504 Plans can offer accommodations for students to help them manage their ADHD, including:
Parents of children with ADHD report receiving more services through an IEP than through a 504 plan.2 There is limited information about which types of accommodations are effective for children with ADHD.3 However, there is evidence that setting clear expectations, providing immediate positive feedback, and communicating daily with parents through a daily report card can help.4 What Teachers Can Do To HelpFor teachers, helping children manage their ADHD symptoms can present a challenge. Most children with ADHD are not enrolled in special education classes, but do need extra assistance on a daily basis. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides information for teachers from experts on how to help students with ADHD. Here are some tips for classroom success. Communication
Assignments and Tasks
Develop a Plan That Fits the Child
Close collaboration between the school, parents, and healthcare providers will help ensure the child gets the right support. Parent Education and SupportCDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. Learn more about their services. How to best advocate for your child
What every parent should know
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What are some interventions for ADHD?Treatments for Adult ADHD
Relaxation training and stress management to reduce anxiety and stress. Behavioral coaching to teach strategies for organizing home and work activities. Job coaching or mentoring to support better working relationships and improve on-the-job performance. Family education and therapy.
What behavior interventions can be successful for managing a student's ADHD?Clear and Direct Instructions Students with ADHD often have difficulty following directions with many steps. Directions should be short, specific, and direct. By using fewer and more direct words to explain assignments, teachers can increase the understanding and engagement of students with ADHD.
What is the most effective treatment approach to ADHD?The research is clear: ADHD medication paired with behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children — particularly those who also exhibit oppositional behavior.
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