Currey Ingram Blog

Like any student, children with ADHD want to participate in group activities, socialize, and make friends. However, they might have difficulties doing so. As a parent, teacher, or coach, you can make a difference in how they navigate the group experiences they are in. A boarding school catering to students with ADHD, Currey Ingram Academy shares steps you can take to help them thrive in a group setting.

Acknowledge that ADHD results in unintended behaviors and consequences

Some people believe that ADHD is a made-up diagnosis; as a result, they attribute the child’s behavior to poor parenting. As parents, teachers, or coaches, it is important to understand that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is neither a reflection of the child’s character, intelligence, or upbringing. It will require patience and maturity to manage a child with ADHD in a group setting.

Focus on the child’s strengths

Children with ADHD are energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic. Take the time to provide learning opportunities and reinforce positive behavior. Be generous with praise and encouragement. Note that while the standard disciplinary actions might be work for other children, these could backfire with ADHD children.

Manage your expectations

ADHD children are approximately two to three years behind their peers in terms of emotional maturity. This can confuse adults, especially if the child behaves younger than they are, both emotionally and socially.

Simplify instructions

Many children with ADHD find it difficult to follow multi-step instructions. While it’s okay to tell most kids a sequence of things to do, and ADHD child might remember the first task but will most likely be distracted along the way and forget the rest.

Moreover, when giving out instructions, tell them what you want them to do and not just what not to do.

Consult with parents for guidance

Parents of children with ADHD know by experience what works and what doesn’t in terms of managing their behavior. Their advice would be very helpful.

Give them the time and space to adjust to new situations

Children with ADHD thrive in predictability and structure. They would appreciate knowing what to expect in a group setting to encounter different people and experiences.

Exercise restraint

Impulsivity could prompt children with ADHD to do and say things they don’t mean. It takes a patient adult to refrain from retaliating with reprimands or disciplinary measures. Redirect aggression and negative energy by asking the child to do small errands or chores.

Currey Ingram Academy is an ADHD boarding school that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential - academically and socially - within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

Q & A: HOW DOES ONE SELECT THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES?

Each student has a unique learning profile that reflects his or her particular strengths, weaknesses, and affinities. To realize their full potential, they should be in a school that considers how students learn, and tailors its teaching methods to meet their learning profile.

The concept of a postgraduate year is pretty straightforward: it’s a transitional year between high school and a post-secondary education for students who may not be quite ready for a full and typical college experience.

A postgraduate year should be spent meaningfully; it is not a year for hanging out or passively waiting for something to happen. There should be a mix of work, volunteering, travel, and specialty classes. Completing a Scuba course, for example, could trigger an interest in marine sciences. Interning at a local television station could lead to a career in media. Students who spend their postgraduate year wisely are able to:

Executive function is a set of cognitive skills that are essential for us to set goals, plan, and complete tasks. Executive function has three main areas. These are:

1) Working memory. This allows short-term memory retention. Working memory may then help transfer this information into long-term memory.
2) Flexible thinking. This is the ability to switch gears quickly and find new ways to solve problems.
3) Inhibitory control. This is the ability to control impulsive responses that hinder individuals from completing a goal. An example of this would be a student ignoring conversations in the background while he/she is studying for an exam.

As parents, you only want the best for your children, and understandably so. With this in mind, many parents knowingly or subconsciously remove obstacles and shield their children from difficult tasks. While this might be done with the best intentions, it can hinder children from developing the skills and tools needed to build independence to succeed in school and in life.

Encouraging children to work situations out on their own helps them develop critical thinking skills, grit, and emotional resilience; they are able to handle failure and disappointment with maturity and grace. Instead of viewing challenges as difficulties, see them as opportunities for growth.