01/05/98

How can I help my ADHD daughter?

Q: My 5th grade daughter has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Her organizational skills are poor; reading and math are weak. The teachers don't seem to understand her disability. When I suggest extra help they say she is not trying or that she should have adjusted to her ADHD by now. Do you have any suggestions?

A: I think that your concerns about your daughter are justified. The 5th grade year is a very important one, because the next few years will require increasingly more independence. If her motivation, study skills and achievement levels are subpar, it could mean continuing difficulties ahead. Therefore, I suggest:

• Request a conference with all her teachers and invite the principal to the meeting. Write down your concerns, give them the list, and discuss them one by one. If Dad is available, arrange a time when he can attend, too. Include your daughter in the meeting. She is old enough to participate in developing a support plan. It is important for her to hear what her teachers have to say and what they can and will do to help.

• If your daughter has not been tested recently, request a comprehensive evaluation. If her academic scores are significantly below grade level, she may be eligible for academic support services through special education.

• Encourage the development of your daughter's interests and talent, so she excels at something. This will help build her self-esteem, which may increases her tolerance for the extra work she needs to put into tough school subjects.

• If one or more of your daughter's friends are good students, she may pick up valuable study skills from studying with them, not only to complete routine homework assignments but also to prepare for quizzes and tests.

• If the school does not have the resources to provide academic support services for your daughter, consider hiring a private tutor. Friends, relatives or teachers can recommend names of individuals or tutorial agencies in or near your community.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.