Shining the Light on LD: ADHD

Mary McDowell Friends School is designed to meet the unique needs of students diagnosed with learning disabilities like ADHD. We define a learning disability as a neurological condition that causes difficulties with the way the brain handles information. Students with learning disabilities are as smart as or smarter than their peers, but they usually find it difficult to learn in a typical manner. However, with different learning methods and strategies, they can be just as academically successful as students without learning disabilities.

This article is the second installment in our series on learning disabilities, excerpted from Shining the Light on LD: The MMFS Learning Disabilities Handbook.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s executive functions, impacts a student’s ability to succeed in school and other areas of life. It affects an estimated 7 million (11.4%) US children aged 3–17, according to a national survey of parents conducted by the CDC. Understanding ADHD is the first step toward providing effective support.

ADHD symptoms are characterized by difficulty with:

• Focus: Maintaining concentration
• Attention Control: Shifting, sustaining, and selecting attention
• Emotional Regulation and Impulsivity: Managing emotions and acting impulsively

~ It’s important to remember that ADHD is not simply a matter of “not trying hard enough.” ~

How ADHD Shows Up in School

ADHD can manifest in various ways, impacting different aspects of a student’s learning experience. Here are some common examples:

• ADHD and Organization: A constantly messy desk, unfinished assignments, and frequent lateness.
• ADHD and Anxiety and Emotions: Becoming easily or overly upset by setbacks or minor conflicts; avoiding or struggling with initiating tasks.
• ADHD and Focus: Frequently looking around the room, fidgeting, or struggling to follow along during instruction; struggling to maintain attention even when something is interesting.

How We Support Students with ADHD in School

Strategies focus on providing structure, support, and understanding. Some examples include:

• Fidgets: Quiet fidget tools (e.g., stress balls, textured pencil grips, putty)
• Focus: Break down tasks, use visual aids, minimize distractions, and provide clear instructions.
• Time: Develop time awareness and management skills using timers, visual schedules, and reminders.
• Materials: Establish clear organizational systems with checklists and color-coding. Build regular routines.
• Consistent and Clear Expectations: Communicate rules clearly, provide frequent positive reinforcement, offer support, and practice following routines and meeting expectations.

How You Can Support Your Child with ADHD at Home

Remind yourself that ADHD is not something a child chooses and that their difficulty focusing and managing their body and possessions is a genuine struggle. Patience is key! Implementing some strategies and providing ongoing support can make homelife a little manageable. Here are some ideas:

• Create a designated quiet workspace and break down homework into smaller chunks.
• Establish consistent daily routines and use visual timers for homework and chores.
• Work with your child to organize their belongings at home using strategies similar to ones used in school.
• Develop clear and consistent rules and expectations at home, using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
• Use quiet fidgets.

Mary McDowell Friends School is a K-12 college preparatory school designed to meet the unique needs of students diagnosed with learning disabilities. Our students have average to above-average intellectual abilities but require a small, specialized learning environment to reach their full potential. Learn more about our approach to educating students with learning disabilities here. You can also schedule a parent information session or contact our admission team.