Study Shows Students With ADHD Aren't Getting Support Interventions in Public Schools

A recent study of public school students with a diagnosis of ADHD showed that 1 in 3 of these learners receive no school-based interventions or services that might help them deal with the impact of their symptoms on their academic achievement. It was also found that at least 1 in 5 of students with significant academic and social impairment received no ADHD interventions at all.¹

How Many Students Might Need ADHD Interventions in the Classroom?

ADHD affects 2-15% of young children, with 11% receiving a diagnosis of this chronic condition.¹ Teaching kids with ADD or ADHD can be challenging in a traditional classroom environment, because these learning differences can be marked by attention challenges and impulsive behaviors. Through no fault of their own, these students might be isolated or shamed in front of their peers.

Research also shows that educational interventions for ADHD and appropriate services can help these unique students by making the curriculum more accessible and the learning environment less distracting. Many of these students may qualify for an IEP or 504 plan which helps define the best accommodations for each student who learns differently.

Learning Environments That Help Students With ADHD Thrive

The goal of interventions for children with ADHD is to provide the same opportunity for these students to achieve by accommodating their unique learning style and helping them discover their individual strengths. It is recommended that parents, teachers, and students work together to create the right environment to allow these students to thrive.²

Recommended educational strategies to support children and teens with ADHD include³:

• Frequent feedback from teachers
• Immediate attention and recognition of positive behaviors
• Sensitivity to the emotional aspects of having ADHD
• Providing notice of upcoming transitions and changes to routine
• Recognizing the intense focus that these students can have for activities that interest them

Many Students Benefit From an Individualized Approach to Learning

One side effect of ADHD interventions in the classroom is the social stigma and loss of self-esteem that some students feel in a public school environment. When a teacher’s focus is spread out over many students at once, they may not receive the timely feedback and supports they need. One solution is to consider the one-to-one approach we provide at Lydian Academy.

Students with learning differences often find that with a dedicated instructor who understands and values their unique learning style can make the curriculum fully accessible to them. Being engaged and building a rapport with teachers provides the same benefits to all young people, the opportunity to discover their passion for learning and their ability to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

To find out why behavioral health specialists support this one-on-one approach to supporting learning differences, contact us today.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190305153639.htm
2. https://chadd.org/for-educators/classroom-accommodations/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html