After the diagnosis
School/educational accommodations
You can work with your child's school to develop accommodations based upon your child's treatment plan. Some ways a school or teacher can lessen the effect of ADHD on your child’s learning include2:
- Allowing extra time to take tests
- Adapting instructions and assignments for your child
- Providing positive reinforcement and feedback
- Using technology to help with tasks
- Allowing breaks or time so your child can move around
- Changing the environment to limit distraction
- Providing extra help with staying organized
1
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)2
This law provides for individualized education plans (IEPs) and special education services to meet the unique needs of the child.
2
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 19732
This law provides for a 504 Plan covering services and changes to the learning environment to meet the needs of the child.
Talk with your child’s school and teachers to see which services your child is eligible to receive.2
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Treatment for ADHD. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Children Succeed in School. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Understood.org. Types of ADHD Medications. Available at https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinkingdifferences/treatments-approaches/medications/types-of-adhd-medications. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Medications Used in the Treatment of ADHD. 2019. Available at https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Medication-Chart-July-2019.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- DYANAVEL XR (amphetamine) extended-release oral suspension, CII. Prescribing Information. Tris Pharma, Inc. Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. 2017. Available at https://www.trispharma.com/generic/DYANAVELXR_pi.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- STRATTERA (atomoxetine hydrochloride). Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly and Company. Indianapolis, IN 46285. 2002. Available at https://pi.lilly.com/us/strattera-pi.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Children.org. American Academy of Pediatrics. Common ADHD Medications & Treatments for Children. Available at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Determining-ADHD-Medication-Treatments.aspx. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Understood.org. 9 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering ADHD Medication for Your Child. Available at https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-approaches/medications/9-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-considering-adhd-medication-for-your-child. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Peaks and Troughs: UnevenMedication Coverage & ADHD. Available at https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_Fall_17_PEAKS.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Take a Summer Break? Medication Holidays for Your Child. Available at https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/take-a-summer-break-medication-holidays-for-your-child/. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Managing Medication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD. Available at https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/managing_medication.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Quillichew ER (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release chewable tablets, for oral use, CII. Prescribing Information. Tris Pharma, Inc. Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. 2018. Available at https://www.trispharma.com/generic/Quillichew_ER_08_2018_FINAL_for_Website_Jan_22_2019.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- Understood.org. Signs Your Child's ADHD Medication Needs Adjusting. Available at https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-approaches/medications/signs-your-childs-adhd-medication-needsfine-tuning. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drug Facts. Prescription Stimulants. Available at https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/drugfacts-prescriptionstimulants.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2020.