This topic is very close to my heart. If you have an ADHD student, I want to empower you and give you the confidence to advocate for them at school. Kids with ADHD think differently than other people and need ADHD student accommodations to help them succeed. However, I truly believe ADHD can be a superpower if people learn how to manage it effectively. So, let’s dive in.

My Experience with ADHD in School 

Even though I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, my teachers frequently mentioned my behavior to my parents. They said I was super hyper and couldn’t sit still during class. One teacher even recommended putting me on medication (which I don’t believe they are allowed to say.) Luckily, my mom stood up for me and didn’t listen to the teacher.

As the years went on, I was involved in orchestra and sports, which I call ADHD dampeners. I was so busy with activities that I learned to manage my time and focus on one thing at a time.

It wasn’t until college that I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. From there, I learned why I was the way I was and how to manage it in a way that worked well for me. 

How to Advocate for Your ADHD Student

Whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD or not, you can learn to advocate for your kids at school. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative stereotypes around ADHD, and things people have said to me have stuck with me all these years. 

Parents need to learn how to advocate for their children, whether at school, with friends, or with family. Here are some things I recommend to my clients.

1. Presentation

Present yourself and your child like you care. An unfortunate stereotype of ADHD is if the child has ADHD, the parent must have ADHD, too. And if you don’t look put together and organized, how can your child ever be? I hate that this is a judgment people have, but it’s true. I’ve experienced it many times. It’s best to avoid it by presenting yourself and your child as organized and reliable people in public.

2. Wardrobe

Showing up to school in leggings and a T-shirt will only earn you more criticism and judgment. Dressing nicely and being present in your child’s life makes you seem like a caring parent (which I know you are!) Give the impression that you’re working on your child’s behavior and that you’ve got this without outside opinions.

3. Encourage ADHD students to be organized.

Help your child make a to-do list for the day. By working on it together, you’re teaching them how to be productive and manage their time independently. They understand what they need to get done in a day, and it’s up to them to check tasks off the list. People with ADHD love to feel like they accomplished something, so checking something off a list is so satisfying! 

4. Motivate them to ask questions.

Encourage your child to ask questions in class and at home. They are learning to advocate for themselves and get the help they need. It also establishes a form of respect for themselves and the adults they’re around. 

5. Reward system for asking questions. 

And then, when they do ask questions, come up with a reward system. Some of my math tutoring students are really shy and don’t feel comfortable asking questions, even when they’re confused. So I told them that their assignment was to ask X number of questions in our session or in class. Then, when they do that, I reward them with a system I have in place. Kids with ADHD thrive off praise and rewards.

6. Set up a meeting with the teachers. 

I meet with my client’s teachers all the time when working with them. It shows that you mean business and want to help your child succeed in school. I also encourage parents to let teachers know that they DO NOT want their children to receive special treatment (some parents fight with me on this) and that they are highly involved with their progress. We are in this together. This shows teachers that parents are not just throwing their children at them. That you, the parent, have high expectations of your child. 

I hope these tips help you advocate for your ADHD student at school. Kids with ADHD can fall under the radar and be treated like every other student in the classroom. Even though you don’t want them to receive special treatment, you DO want them to be taught in a way they can learn from.

If your child struggles with ADHD at school or is falling behind in math, I’d love to help. I’m an ADHD coach and math tutor, and I love helping parents and ADHD students succeed in school. Let’s hop on a call to see how I can help.

Related Episodes:

Episode 29: How to Set Boundaries with ADHD

Episode 32: Holistic Tips to Stay Focused at School and Home

Episode 35: Why is Confidence Important for Students? How to Build Self Confidence in Your Kids