When Hybrid Learning Causes More Harm Than Good: School Options for ADHD Families

“Going back to school, even if only in a hybrid capacity, disrupts the ‘new normal.’ Students, teachers, and parents are, once again, expected to get used to new and changing schedules and systems. Students with ADHD are disproportionately impacted by these changes. Would your child benefit from staying in an alternative learning situation for the rest of the school year?”

Bewildered

May 12, 2021 at 12:27 pm

All excellent points. I would add to the list 2 addutional benefits of virtual instruction: the absence of bullying and the reduction of stress for my ADHD son. Actual bullying does exist in schools, as I often volunteer I see it firsthand. My son and other disabled students were harassed and bullied often. The stress and anxiety my son experienced in school and at aftercare, which carried over into our home life, is blessedly absent. I don’t think most parents consider how stressful it is for some ADHD kids to fight their tendency to succumb to their rejection sensitivity, to worry constantly about saying the wrong thing, to have anxiety about meeting new people, or even being called on in class. My son has greatly benefitted from being at home, bolstered by a “pod” of children with whom he was able to socialize, with thanks to my single mother’s group. I believe he has also benefitted greatly from my observation/ overhearing what is going on in his classes – I am able to see how the teachers teach, am able to adapt to his learning style when I “reteach”, and have been able to point out to our Special Ed liasion when teachers are being particularly insensitive or deliberately ignoring the needs of ADHD students. His grades have SOARED this year, and he has made great friends in our “pod.” I would be interested to know if other families have had similar experiences or results!