Parents Back-To-School: A Fresh Start For Families Impacted By ADHD often means making an adjustment needs and discuss goals and expectations for treatment, which may the more structured routine of medication or a combination of (NAPSA)—Back-to-school time from therelaxed days of summerto include behavioral modifications, both.In onerecent study funded by school that requires more organiza- tion and focusfor families. Making the National Institute of Mental this transition can be especially Health (NIMH), children with ADHD who were on ADHD medica- challengingfor children with Atten- tion scored higher on standardized math and reading tests than those tion Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the Centers who were not on medication. While no definite conclusions can be for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4.5 million children and adolescents in the USare diagnosed with ADHD, a common and treatable medical condition charac- terized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The start of a Many of the newer medications used to treat ADHD last well into the evening, which may help children concentrate on and complete their homework. affected by ADHD a fresh start to mendations, to help put an action new school year offers families managing ADHD. With more than 30 years of experience as a developmental pediatrician, author and mother of drawn from one single study, this research supports the needfor more studies looking at the relationship between medication use and academic achievement in children with ADHD.Visit wwwpediatrics.org for more information on the study. “T have seen medication help plan in place. During thefirst two weeks of children in academic areas for school, request a meeting with your many years, but I also know that child’s educators to share concerns every child is different. It’s critical for the upcoming year and discuss strategies that have worked well in that a parent discussall treatment beginning of a school year. “As the nication throughoutthe school year school year approaches, the two via phone, e-mail or by creating a biggest issues that parents of chil- notebook that travels back and their child,” said Dr. Quinn. “It’s three children with ADHD, Patri- cia Quinn, M_D., knows how impor- tant it is to be proactive at the dren with ADHD seem to dread the most are getting their children up and out to school in the morning the past. Keep in constant commu- forth between home andschool. options with the healthcare profes- sional to determine what's best for also important parents observe how ADHD symptoms impact their child outside the classroom, For homework, observe your including his or her social interac- child to know when and how he tions, and consider a treatment Based on her experience, Dr. works best. Some kids need vigorous exercise before tackling home- techniques that have been suc- they complete their homework visit www.facebook.com/ADHD tions that interfere with home- atrics”, Division of Ortho-McNeilJanssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and homework,”said Dr. Quinn. Quinn suggests parents reflect on cessful for their children with ADHD in years past and intro- duce these routines in advance of the return to school, such as: * To ease the morningroutine, set up a schedule or checklist for all tasks that need to be com- work, while others do better if before dinner. Remove distrac- work completion. If your child takes medication for ADHD, schedule difficult assignmentsfor times when the plan that is both effective and well-tolerated.” For more of Dr. Quinn’stips, Moms, sponsored by McNeil Pedi- Dr. Quinnis a paid consultant and speaker for McNeil Pediatrics”. pleted so your child knows exactly Many of the newer medications Findtools to help your child with ADHD get on track for the schoolyear by visiting If your child is newly diag- the evening and may help with nosed with ADHD, provide your concentration. child’s teacher, school psychologist Before the school yearstarts, Dr. and special education staff with Quinn also recommends scheduling information about his diagnosis, an appointment with your child’s treatment and academic recomphysician to revaluate your child’s Download an ADHD symptom assessment screener and discuss the results in your child’s next healthcareprofessional appointment. @ what to do and at what time. medication is most effective. used to treat ADHDlast well into hitp:/Awww.facebook.com/ADHDMoms.
