Schools can play a positive role in the lives of kids with AD/HD, but it is up to us as parents to apprise the school of what our children need. Here are 10 simple things that parents of AD/HD children should request from schools. Remember, we are perfectly within our rights to ask for these accommodations to assist our children’s learning.

Schools are supposed to help AD/HD kids learn and not discriminate against them because of the disorder. It is perfectly within your rights to request accommodations to assist your child’s learning. You are not asking the school to make it easy for your child. You are asking the school to help your child reach his or her full potential. Here are 10 simple things that can be done to help AD/HD children:

1. Teachers can allow kids to take more time to finish timed tests and not be penalized. AD/HD kids have trouble sustaining effort. They typically do poorly on timed tests that require them to sit still and finish all the problems in a set amount of time. As a result, they may fail the test – not because they don’t know the material but because it takes them longer to focus and finish.

2. Allow AD/HD students to use a tape recorder for written assignments. AD/HD kids have trouble with written assignments because of the organization involved. Often these kids know the material but have difficulty writing it down. It may be helpful to let an AD/HD kid make a tape recording to show what he or she knows.

3. Assign AD/HD kids “buddies” to help them get all their assignments together at the end of the day. The end of the school day is often rushed and full of distraction. A buddy could prompt the AD/HD child to take home assignments and books.

4. Schedule tests and major assignments during peak times of medication effectiveness. Some teachers will give major tests when medications are working at full strength. Obviously, this can’t always be done, but sometimes the schedule will allow this flexibility.

5. Institute a behavior management system to help motivate the child to get his or her work done. The teacher can create written rules with clearly defined consequences aimed at reinforcing appropriate behavior help.

6. Teach lessons in interesting and motivating ways. Teachers know that AD/HD kids lose attention for assigned work. They need to keep the child involved and performing. The more interestingly the material is presented, the better attention it will receive. This is true for non-AD/HD kids as well.

7. Use markers to highlight important parts of assignments. The markers help relevant material stand out.

8. Use active games to aid learning. Sitting still in a seat is hard work. Get children up and doing fun things in game-like fashion.

9. Employ computer-aided instruction. Computers involve the use of sight, sound and touch. AD/HD kids do well with this type of instruction.

10. Seat the child on the first row at the end desk. This reduces peer distraction.

Dr. Mintle – author, professor, Approved Supervisor and Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy – is a speaker and media personality, as well as a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years in psychotherapy practice. For more articles by Dr. Linda S. Mintle, go to Counseling and Advice on the Health Channel.