Kiddipedia
School is often touted as being ‘the best years of your life’. However, this couldn’t have been further from the truth for me.
Having grown up in the UK, my parents sent me to a local government primary and secondary school with the dream that this will be the start of my incredible journey into the big, wide world.
However, the supposed ‘best years of my life’ didn’t quite match up for me.
From day one, school was far from a positive experience. I failed most tests and exams, never won an award, I was always in the bottom group for all subjects, my teachers often told me that I wasn’t very bright and that I wouldn’t amount to much. Disheartened and believing their words, I left school at the age 16 with no qualifications.
Fast forward to the age of 27 when I had my first child, Lachlan… I realised I wanted to do something with my life. So, I went to college where I succeeded in getting SEVEN diplomas and eventually completed a Law Degree with Honours.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, I also came in the top 10 of 200 people in my university. It was at this point that I realised that it wasn’t that I wasn’t clever, it was that I was never taught in a way that worked for my brain.
I am dyslexic and an ADHDer. I have two boys, Lachlan and Jesse. Lachlan has ADHD and Intellectual Disability and Jesse has recently been officially diagnosed with ADHD. As a result, I have dedicated my life to understanding more about living in the world of ADHD.
I see history repeating itself as my 11-year-old son is experiencing the same the problems at school in Australia that I experienced over 30 years ago. Although more and more kids and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD, the education and support available is still very limited and progress is slow.
While there is some evidence that schools are adapting to support ADHDers, it is not enough.
Part of the problem is that the system tends to write them off ADHD kids rather than work with them to help them to adapt.
Knowledge is power and with so much more known about ADHD, it is time for schools and families to start working with ADHD kids rather than against them.
Here are my top tips on how you can help ADHDers in and out of the classroom.
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Drive their successes
ADHDers don’t tend to do well in an environment where they are failing. However, they will will do well where they feel they are succeeding.
When ADHDers are successful, they do better.
We try to discipline the ADHD out of a child but what this does is lower their capacity to do well which, in turn, lowers their self-esteem and increases their anxiety.
If we simply change the system to the point that an ADHDer is driving their success, the results will speak for themselves.
Without realising, we discipline through negativity. This doesn’t work for ADHDers.
For example, a child is only getting negative discipline and then in the playground they get into a fight. If their mates then tell the child they are so tough and strong, an ADHDer will follow the success as this is what they are thriving for. As a result, they will do more of the things that bring them success and it won’t matter where they are getting their successes from.
It’s time to turn this negativity around and show these kids more successes to help them get on the right track.
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Be aware of sensory challenges
A simple task can often turn into a complex challenge for ADHDers with distractions in the mix.
ADHDers often have additional sensory challenges, such as fluorescent lighting, kids talking, sitting next friends, school unform and hair styles. These can all trigger sensory needs. Similarly, an ADHDer is unable to sit still for long periods of time.
A simple task can often turn into a complex challenge for ADHDers with distractions in the mix.
ADHDers often have sensory challenges, such as fluorescent lighting, kids talking, sitting next friends, school unform, hair in hair ties and these can all trigger their sensory needs. Similarly, an ADHDer is unable to sit still for long periods of time.
If a child is triggered, they are not going to be able to pay attention.
Always give the children options to avoid these distractions.
For example, turn off the lights, allow them to have quiet, fidget gadgets elastic band footrests or standing desks, give the child a written version of instructions instead of just on the whiteboard.
The key, though, is also not to single ADHDers out. What’s good for one is good for all. A simple solution can help create such a positive outcome.
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Think outside the box and let them shine
While we do have more extracurricular activities at schools, the education system is still mainly academically focussed. An academic child can more easily follow instructions, whereas this proves problematic for an ADHD child.
The best solution is to think outside the box and give these children a positive experience. For the opportunity to succeed. For example, encourage them to lead a team and problem-solving task. By giving them this opportunity, it will build on their self-esteem and success. This is a great way to let them shine.
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Connection
Results from a recent psychology study carried out by Harvard University looking at the one thing that make people be the most successful and happy. The answer was connection.
If teachers and parents focus on building a strong connection with their ADHD kids, then that will help them do well.
If we all work on mutual respect and try to focus on building a true connection with each other, this will naturally give kids more opportunity to grow, develop, be happy and successful.
Rebecca Challoner
As well as being the CEO and Founder of My Spirited Child and the National PEKE Centre, Rebecca Challoner is also a Writer, Presenter and Trainer on diverse needs, learning difficulties and behaviour.
Rebecca is currently a member of the Reference Council at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University and has written hundreds of articles, two eBooks, numerous short books and guides as well as being in the process of writing a book on Understanding ADHD. Rebecca has provided support to parents and educators all over the world. And has featured in countless magazines, newspapers and radio shows as well as presenting a DVD Documentary.
Rebecca has presented at many conferences and events including The Victorian, Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales ADHD Conferences, the National Education Summit, The Global Potty Talk Summit, Mummycon and countless other Seminars and Conferences both nationally and internationally. Rebecca also trains teachers and professionals in schools and organisations.
Over the years, Rebecca has done a vast amount of work with neurodivergent children and their families and carers. Working with people around the globe to help improve the lives and futures of neurodivergent individuals.
