How Can ADHD Affect Kids at School?    

ADHD can affect a student's ability to focus, pay attention, listen, or put effort into schoolwork. ADHD also can make a student fidgety, restless, talk too much, or disrupt the class. Kids with ADHD might also have learning disabilities that cause them to have problems in school.

Most kids with ADHD start school before their ADHD is diagnosed. Teachers are sometimes the first to notice possible signs of ADHD. They may talk it over with the child's parent. The parent can then have the child evaluated by a health provider to see if it's ADHD.

How Can Teachers Help Kids With ADHD?

Let all teachers know if your child has ADHD. 

Teachers can help you find out if your child needs an IEP. An IEP (individual education program) is a written plan of goals for a student and things teachers will do to support the student's progress. Your child's teacher might suggest an evaluation to see if your child could benefit from an IEP. 

Teachers can talk with you about your child's progress. Ask the teacher to let you know how your child is doing. Using a folder that goes back and forth between you and your child's teacher is one way to share notes about progress.   

Teachers can focus on your child's needs. Every student with ADHD is different. Some need help paying attention and managing distractions. Some need help staying organized. Others need help getting started with their work, or finishing work they start. Some students with ADHD have trouble staying seated or working quietly. Ask the teacher how ADHD affects your child in the classroom and what you can do to help your child with schoolwork.

Teachers can help your child succeed. Depending on what a student needs, a teacher can do things like: 

  • Seat a student where there are fewer distractions.
  • Give instructions that are clear and brief.
  • Have simple classroom routines and rules.
  • Be warm, encouraging, and positive.
  • Praise efforts.
  • Help with organization.
  • Guide kids to slow down and take their time.
  • Give prompts to stay on task.
  • Give breaks to move around in the classroom.
  • Give extra time to complete work.
  • Teach students how to check their work and catch careless mistakes.

For older students, teachers can also:

  • Teach study skills such as taking notes, reading aloud, and prepping for tests.
  • Break down multi-step projects and assignments into smaller parts.

Teachers can bring out the best in your child. When teachers see the best in their students, students see the best in themselves. Teachers can convey that every student can grow, learn, and succeed — whether or not they have ADHD. 

Back to Articles

Related Articles

ADHD Factsheet (for Schools)

What teachers should know about ADHD, and teaching strategies to help students with ADHD succeed in school.

Read More

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Attending parent–teacher conferences is a great way to help your kids succeed at school. Here's what to do before, during, and after the meeting.

Read More

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

Read More

Help Your Child Get Organized

Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

Read More

10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

Read More

10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be challenging for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

Read More

10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important ingredient for academic achievement.

Read More

Special Education: Getting Help for Your Child

Kids with special needs may quality for services to help with learning. Here is a guide to getting the help your child needs.

Read More

Getting Along With Teachers

Kids who get along with their teachers not only learn more, but they're more comfortable asking questions and getting extra help.

Read More

Getting Along With Your Teachers

Teachers can look out for you, guide you, and provide you with an adult perspective. Many are willing to answer questions, offer advice, and help with personal problems.

Read More

ADHD: Tips to Try

There's no quick fix for ADHD. But taking medicine and working with counselors can help. This article for teens has tips for handling school and relationships.

Read More

Homework Help

Writing a report? Studying for a test? Having problems at school? Get tips and advice.

Read More

Homework Help

Writing a report? Studying for a test? Having problems at school? Get tips and advice.

Read More

What to Do if You Don't Like School

Everyone has a bad day at school once in a while, but some kids really don't like school. Read this article for kids to find out more.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.