Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome best-selling author and board-certified counselor @StephanieSarkis, Ph.D. to the chat as we discuss #ADHD in the classroom.
Edie, Academic Therapist from Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Autism took. I look forward to learning, then sharing with my folks. #LDchat
Edie, Academic Therapist from Washington, DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Autism took. I look forward to learning, then sharing with my folks. #LDchat
Let's go ahead and get started! We'll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers. Here's the first question… #LDchat
A1. (1/2) Never having recess taken away, for any reason; extended time on tests; testing in a separate & quiet location; all instructions in writing; movement allowed in classroom without penalty; #ldchat
A1. (2/2) no display of behavior on the board; backpack is checked at end of day; weekly behavior/academic reports given to parents; student can give reports orally instead of written; spelling tests can be done orally instead of written; extra set of books at home. #ldchat
A1. (1/2) Never having recess taken away, for any reason; extended time on tests; testing in a separate & quiet location; all instructions in writing; movement allowed in classroom without penalty; #ldchat
Amy Valentine here-- I run the Foundation for Blended an Online Learning. We give scholarships to kids who have take online and blended classes. Several of our students openly talk about their struggles with #ADHD. #LDchat
A1. There are many more than what I've mentioned - including having a note taker in class. You can obtain a list of Section 504 accommodations from your school guidance department or online. You can also ask the school for a copy of IEP forms. #LDchat
Amy Valentine here-- I run the Foundation for Blended an Online Learning. We give scholarships to kids who have take online and blended classes. Several of our students openly talk about their struggles with #ADHD. #LDchat
A1. Extended time most benefits my older students with ADHD. It supports cognitive delays. Smartphones are a close second. Most support both Android and iPhones #LDchat
A2. (1/2) Contact your school’s guidance department. Public schools are required to provide accommodations under IDEA and Section 504. If a private school receives any federal subsidies, they MUST provide accommodations. #ldchat
#ldchat What’s your take on the Montessori system for students with ADHD? I see it as depending on the extent of their symptoms and type of motivation. Plus factor in any learning difficulties and quality of staff.
A2. (2/2) If the private school refuses to provide accommodations (granted they are legally allowed to not provided them), start looking for another school for your child, and let the school’s administration know. #ldchat
Speaking of, here is one very compelling story from a student with #ADHD that sought out a new school environment better suited for her learning styles. #LDchathttps://t.co/JQ52ciJOh2
Young children with ADHD benefit by knowing their accommodations. Ask for them. Perhaps technical names are lacking, but it gives them a chance to be in charge (self-knowledge.) #LDchat
Q2 #ldchat Recommend setting up high structure with collaborative approach as relations between children with ADHD and staff is essential. Allows for foundation for teaching social skills and emotional regulation.
@lanatan_Duine It depends on the individual school. I encourage parents to meet with the adminstration and teachers, and do a "pop-up" visit (unscheduled). #ldchat
#ldchat What’s your take on the Montessori system for students with ADHD? I see it as depending on the extent of their symptoms and type of motivation. Plus factor in any learning difficulties and quality of staff.
#ADHD can affect how kids perform in class and how they handle schoolwork at all ages. See common age-specific behaviors in students: https://t.co/noZxDOKCXy#LDchat
Teaching advocacy is very important - I have seen middle schoolers and high schoolers attend their 504/IEP meetings, and everyone benefited. (Individual results may vary.) #ldchat
A3. (1/2) Stimulant medication has still been found to be the most effective treatment for #ADHD. Accommodations can be used by themselves, but stimulant medication plus accommodations can make accommodations more effective. #ldchat
Here is an article that I wrote which was published by @ChalkbeatCO related to being a strong advocate for our kids with (and without) learning struggles and challenges. Hope that you find this to be helpful. https://t.co/VuQZuvQtet#LDchat
If they have accommodations, they are federally enforced. First, go to the professor and school to make sure there wasn't a misunderstanding. If the issue isn't resolved, contact the Office for Civil Rights (this applies to US students). Also consult with attorney. #ldchat
Exactly. Individual results may vary. And it's completely okay that your friend's kid does well at a school but it is not the best fit for your kid. That's the beauty of being individuals. #ldchat
Concur! Local one here would have been good for a student with inattentive type with reasonable social skills. But not right for another with severe ADHD symptoms and explosive behaviours.
Public schools aren't allowed to require any student to take #ADHD medication.
Get expert insights on working closely with the school to find the support that meets your child’s needs: https://t.co/vXimlrMo6T#LDchat
Q3 #ldchat
If meds are the right fit, key will be medical compliance. I’ve seen serious problems for children whose parents do not follow thru or are inconsistent. Also, the onus is on the school to work well with accommodations as intended.
Correct. They aren't allowed to ask about medication at all (this applies to colleges as well). #ldchat If a college requests medication information on an accommodations application, report it to the Office for Civil Rights. #ldchat
Public schools aren't allowed to require any student to take #ADHD medication.
Get expert insights on working closely with the school to find the support that meets your child’s needs: https://t.co/vXimlrMo6T#LDchat
A4.(1/2) Remember your common goal or interest – the betterment of the child. Be allies rather than adversaries. Teachers – accommodations are federal law. That is not negotiable. Parents – what can you do to help the teacher? #ldchat
A4. (2/2) Also, sometimes a kid and teacher just aren’t a good fit. It is okay to switch teachers. And teachers, be aware of when you might be treating a child differently, and do what is in the child’s best interest. #ldchat
@Gladwell is an amazing supporter of the differences that we all have as humans. Have you read "David & Goliath"? It touches upon the beenits that having a learning disabilities. Love this quote-- hope that it inspires all of you in the work that you do to support kids! #ldchat
By knowing which #ADHD symptoms your child struggles with, teachers can find ways to help. Here are tips for talking to your child's teacher: https://t.co/WZRAp0c01h#LDchat
"We were fortunate; the school always tried to work with us to find the right match. I also learned how important it was to communicate with the teacher early and often." Read a parent's story: https://t.co/RAnOLDNjFx#LDchat#ADHD
Just going to add this to Gladwell's quote - let's work on making it so that kids, parents, and teachers don't need to struggle, or struggle as much. #ldchat
@Gladwell is an amazing supporter of the differences that we all have as humans. Have you read "David & Goliath"? It touches upon the beenits that having a learning disabilities. Love this quote-- hope that it inspires all of you in the work that you do to support kids! #ldchat
Great question, @JOLOExperience! Try these steps to help figure out what's behind your child's behavior, plus tips on how to curb them and where to turn support: https://t.co/ggMAbHtZng#LDchat
