One of the best ways to help a teacher help your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) is to write a letter of introduction.
A couple of weeks before school starts, write the teacher a note that details your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Explain the specific challenges your child faces, as well as the strategies that have proven helpful in the past.
You can use this sample letter and modify it to make your own letter. (Copy and paste onto a new document, and adjust accordingly to fit your circumstances.)
Dear Ms. Thompson:
Our son, Jake, will be in your class this year. We’d like to tell you a bit about him to help get the year off to a good start.
Jake has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, a condition that may affect his behavior and interfere with learning. Although he may be disruptive at times, Jake usually isn’t trying to make trouble. Instead, he’s responding to difficulties and deficits that result from his disorder.
In the past few years, I have worked with his teachers to find strategies to help. Because Jake tends to be impulsive, he may call out answers or interrupt while you’re speaking. A private signal between the two of you can remind him to raise his hand. ADHD also affects Jake’s schoolwork. His handwriting is poor, and he has trouble getting his thoughts on paper. Giving him extra time for assignments and letting him work on the classroom computer would make it easier for him to express himself in writing.
Jake is an enthusiastic student. As you get to know him, you’ll find that he’s outgoing and funny. We hope you’ll keep his needs and his strengths in mind as the school year unfolds. We look forward to working closely with you to help our son do his best.
Sincerely,
Jake’s Mom and Dad
This article comes from the April/May 2007 issue of ADDitude.
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