Navigating the school system can be one of the most challenging situations for parents of kids with ADHD. These children often require special support to succeed. And while most schools offer some kind of resources, accessing them isn?t always easy. In this chapter, we look at how to find the right school for a child with ADHD and how to advocate within the school system to ensure special modifications are put in place.
Choosing a school for your child with ADHD
When it was time to enroll her daughter Layne in kindergarten, Joan Chand?oiseau left no stone unturned.
?I went to every school?Catholic, public and even some private?and interviewed every principal on what resources would be available,? Joan says.
While Layne hadn?t been officially diagnosed yet, Joan?s husband had ADHD, and it seemed likely Layne did too. She moved so much at the table that she would often fall off her chair; she had trouble regulating her emotions; and she would sometimes lose focus during a simple task like going to her room to get her hairbrush. The most supportive school was outside their school district and 20 minutes away, so Joan drove her daughter back and forth every day.
?Right from the very first meeting, I knew it was the right school. They were deliberate with a plan and used language that was respectful,? Joan says.
Here are some tips for finding the right school for your kid, whether they are just starting out, switching schools, or ready to graduate to middle or high school.
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