By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed by age 12 (although children are born with it). About 4% – 12% of schoolchildren have ADHD.
As any parent of a child with ADHD realizes, it causes “trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active,” states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Understandably, settling in for a long session of homework is tough for these children — and the parents who are trying to get this to happen. It’s better to try for shorter chunks of time to tackle specific parts of the homework due.
“When doing homework, set a timer for 10-, 15-, 20-minute intervals and provide a two to five minute break, if necessary,” said Nick Filipowski, executive director of communications for Williamsville Central School District in East Amherst. “Don’t extend the homework time beyond a student’s tolerance level. If it becomes a pattern that homework takes longer than a feasible amount of time for your child to finish the homework, ask to have a meeting with the child’s teacher, include your child in the meeting and together, as a team, develop a plan to solve the problem.”
Just telling a child with ADHD to “do your homework” without any kind of schedule may not help get it done in time.
“Predictability and routine are important,” Filipowski said. “Parents and students should work together to determine a daily schedule with time segmented for TV, games, outside time; snack and dinner; reading; homework; chores; bathing; and structured activities like sports or dance.”
Designate a specific area for homework. A room that has no TV and a reduced amount of activity is ideal. A reading nook with a lap desk may be suitable. Sometimes, finding the right spot relies upon the time of day, such as the kitchen outside of mealtimes.
“Choose a space so that you can keep an eye on the child, but do not hover; this is their responsibility,” Filipowski said.
Although a traditional homework set-up is a desk and chair in a quiet room, if another position helps, go with that. Some children prefer sitting on an exercise ball, where the wobbly posture lets them wiggle. Or standing to complete work at the kitchen counter.
Dead quiet may not be easy to achieve or the best way to sharpen the child’s focus.
“Some students do better working with background noise, soft music or even white noise,” Filipowski said. “Even if they make mistakes, that is OK. This is important information for the teacher, that the student may need some reteaching.”
Planning for homework success begins at school.
“Before leaving school, the student has the responsibility to get into the habit of checking his planner for what homework needs to be completed and what supplies, if any, should be brought home,” Filipowski said. “Put a plan in place with the student if this is not happening regularly. When necessary, use the assistance of the teacher to support the student.”
Teachers and school administrators want to see their students succeed in their education, both at school and at home.
“Make sure the student has a process for returning the homework to school and handing it in at the appropriate time,” Filipowski said.
All diagnosed children qualify for a 504 plan, which accommodates their disability at school. Some children with ADHD qualify for an individual education plan, which parents can discuss with their district’s special education department. The IEP can provide helpful resources and services.
Jeffrey Hammond, director of public relations and information for Buffalo Public Schools, said that his district offers “the BPS Special Education Parents Guide” and “the Special Education Video Library for Parents and Caregivers” as to help families understand how the district will help meet the educational needs of their special education children.
It can also help to discuss ADHD with the child’s healthcare provider.