Dear Ms. Thompson:
My daughter, Emily, will be in your class this year. I'd like to tell you a bit about her to help get the year off to a good start.
Emily has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, a condition that may affect her behavior and interfere with learning. Although she may be disruptive at times, Emily usually isn't trying to make trouble. Instead, she's responding to difficulties and deficits that result from her disorder.
In the past few years, I have worked with her teachers to find strategies to help. Because Emily tends to be impulsive, she may call out answers or interrupt while you're speaking. A private signal between the two of you can remind her to raise her hand. ADHD also affects Emily's schoolwork. Her handwriting is poor, and she has trouble getting her thoughts on paper. Giving her extra time for assignments and letting her work on the classroom computer would make it easier for her to express herself in writing.
Emily is an enthusiastic student. As you get to know her, you'll find that she's outgoing and funny. I hope you'll keep her needs and her strengths in mind as the school year unfolds. I look forward to working closely with you to help my daughter do her best.
Sincerely,
Emily's Mom and Dad
This article comes from the August/September 2006 issue of ADDitude.
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