Millions of students around the world are suffering every day, and many do not understand why their minds work differently than their peers. For their parents and educators, providing appropriate support and helping these students understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is critical in fostering the success and well-being of these young people. To that end, let’s explore the complexities of ADHD, dispel common misconceptions, and outline practical strategies that can be used in school and at home.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain functioning, impacting how children (and adults!) process information, regulate emotions, manage behavior, and navigate the world. Children with ADHD often display persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. It is important to recognize that ADHD is a complex spectrum disorder, and it affects every student differently.
Students with ADHD can exhibit various symptoms, including impulsive behavior, fidgeting, interrupting conversations, or difficulty focusing. While any combination of these symptoms could be disruptive or difficult to deal with in a scholastic or home context, it is important to remember that ADHD is not a sign of laziness or lack of discipline, and these students may require additional care and guidance to help them on their path to a successful life.
Several misconceptions surrounding ADHD and the students it affects have created a stigma and hindered effective support:
- Students with ADHD are just misbehaving and ought to be punished harshly. The symptoms of ADHD are challenging for the students to deal with, and discipline should be tailored to the individual.
- Medication is the only solution. Some students with ADHD respond very well to medication, while others do not – it is not the only option and should be considered along with behavioral interventions, therapy, and educational accommodations as you help the student manage their condition.
- ADHD only affects children. The condition most often emerges in childhood, but ADHD can persist into adolescence and adulthood as well.
- Further information can be found at the Child Mind Institute.
While the mantra that every student is different rings true in helping to manage ADHD, some common strategies help across the board. Establishing routines and sticking to them in both home and school contexts allows students with ADHD to feel secure and manage their time effectively. Using clear communication and positive reinforcement works wonders for children with ADHD, rewarding positive behaviors and avoiding the punishment of the negative ones, as the children already may feel helpless in curbing them. On a similar note, framing the management of ADHD symptoms as a collaborative approach among parents, guardians, teachers, healthcare providers, and the student as well can help with feelings of hopelessness. Last but not least, regular exercise has been shown to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
As the labels released in every iteration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders grow fuzzier and broader, it is essential to unpack the complex interplay between diagnoses and identity. ADHD is just one aspect of a student’s identity and one that can shift over time as well. Furthermore, students with ADHD certainly encounter many difficulties as a result of these symptoms, but ADHD is also associated with unique strengths like creativity, energy, and enthusiasm. By empowering students with ADHD to understand their condition, we can help them navigate challenges and harness their potential to succeed.
A recent study published in ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders underscored the positive aspects of the condition in successful adults with ADHD, emphasizing the “eminence of energy” and how the successful harnessing of this energy ought to be viewed as a valuable trait. Similarly, college students with ADHD can be very successful if they can figure out how to use their surplus energy to their advantage. From these adults and college students, it is possible to see how, with appropriate support and guidance, students with ADHD can grow into healthy, happy adults.
Patience, understanding, support, and love will undergird the particular strategies we, as parents, guardians, and educators, employ to help these students achieve their goals. By fostering a supportive environment, embracing neurodiversity, and celebrating the unique strengths and challenges that come to those with ADHD, we can create a world where all students feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
About TLC
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Among its five divisions, TLC offers School-based Staffing Solutions, Mobile Coaching and Counseling, and Heather’s Hope: A Center for Victims of Crime. These major programs are united under TLC’s mission to promote positive choices and cultivate meaningful connections through education, counseling, coaching, and consulting.