October 2021 —
The MLO Minute: By Michael Connolly, Esq., Supervising Partner of our Special Education Department —
As October – ADHD (“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”) Awareness Month — comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the impact this disability has on children at school, and what are some of the most common symptoms to be aware of. ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of school-aged children impacting their ability to focus, engage in executive functioning tasks, and/or control hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. ADHD often results in students suffering from emotional struggles and low self-esteem, difficulty maintaining positive peer and adult relationships, poor academic performance, and discipline issues at school.
Symptoms of ADHD can include things such as:
- Trouble staying focused on tasks and activities
- Making careless mistakes and not paying attention to details
- Difficulty completing tasks or following directions
- Trouble with organization and planning long-term assignments
- Losses or forgets items
- Fidgets or has difficulty staying seated during class
- Struggles completing and turning in homework
- Blurts out answers and/or interrupts others
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
Unfortunately, symptoms of ADHD can often be overlooked and dismissed. Many of the symptoms are seen as laziness, a lack of motivation, or willfulness. Too many parents are told that their child just needs to take responsibility or try harder, when in fact they are suffering the effects of their disability. Even when ADHD is identified, the assumption far too often is that the school just needs to accommodate for the student’s deficits whether through a Section 504 Plan or as part of an IEP. While accommodations are certainly important and necessary, for many students with ADHD accommodation is simply not enough. Student’s may also require direct instruction in areas impacted by their ADHD such as executive functioning skills and strategies, behavioral regulations, coping skills, and academic skills. School teams need to look at the impact of ADHD on the individual student and their needs so that they can develop an appropriate program of supports and direct instruction in those areas of need.
Our firm provides FREE consultations in all special education matters, and most cases are handled without charge to families. We understand these are difficult times, so please do not hesitate to contact us today by clicking here or by calling 610-648-9300.
ADHD RESOURCES:
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Articles by McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C.
By Michael Connolly, Esq., Supervising Partner of our Special Education Department
