The Role of the Teacher in the Treatment of ADHD

Medical consultation is another part of a successful plan. That means working with the Pediatrician to determine whether or when medication might be needed to improve the student’s functioning. The teacher/school has a third important role in the treatment of ADHD. The first thing that might come to mind is accommodations at school. But there is another very important role that the teacher will have in the treatment of ADHD.

For the student with a diagnosis of ADHD, the teacher’s observations of the child’s work habits, persistence, frustration tolerance and social behavior in class are vital to determining whether current treatments are effective. Let the teacher know that her objective observations of classroom and playground behavior are of great importance. You want to hear the good and the “not so flattering” reports. Work samples that illustrate the teacher’s observations will be helpful to you. Examples of social difficulties or impulsive behavior and examples of  “thinking before doing” will help you see a pattern.

Those observations should be shared with the Pediatrician and used to evaluate if something needs to change in the medical treatment or in the use of motivators and schedules. These observations will also inform you as to whether a tutor, social skills group or homework club would be useful to your student. The teacher will know if these are available at school.

Keep the teacher informed of changes in medical treatment. Of course, let the teacher know if a beloved pet has died, a family member is ill or if the student is having trouble sleeping. Any of these events would cause a change in behavior at school.

I'd like to hear your stories of how a teacher has helped you with your student who is diagnosed with ADHD.