Students with ADHD challenges have presented tests for schools in terms of supporting those who are absent. How can we support these students and aid their personal development so they can feel prepared for adulthood?
According to statistics:
“Referrals to ADHD specialists rose by 226% between 2017 and 2022. #ADHD is now the seventh highest trending hashtag on TikTok, and medication to treat the condition is currently in very short supply across the world.”
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects people’s behaviour and concentration levels and creates problems such as stress, impulsiveness, poor time management and other reasons. There are approximately ‘2.6 million people in the UK with ADHD (694,000 children, 1.9 million).’
Children with ADHD can be supported with medicine, guidance and appropriate educational support to assist them with any symptoms. It’s important to find the best solution possible that accommodates a student’s specific needs. Students with ADHD may need guided support so they can reach their educational potential.
Providing high-quality education
Every child deserves high-quality education and promoting personal development should be essential if attendance is also to be raised.
“Children requiring mental health support
180. Schools and colleges have an important role to play in supporting the mental health and well-being of their pupils.”
Students must be supplied with effective pastoral support that addresses their specific needs. Improving a child’s well-being should be at the forefront if they are going to improve their outlook on education.
In addition to this, students with ADHD still need to obtain high-quality education. This could mean having to make some adjustments to teaching styles or lesson material to accommodate their needs.
Overcoming ADHD & attendance challenges
“Students with an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis are more vulnerable to student attendance problems and experience various comorbidities, including social and separation anxiety, depression, physical discomfort, and aggression.” – PsyPost
Students with ADHD first need their well-being supported by creating inclusive learning environments where they feel they would want to attend in the first place. This doesn’t have to be done straight away in a mainstream setting, it’s important to find the learning environment that a child with ADHD will feel most comfortable in.
Following this, remaining patient with a child with ADHD is critical. Lashing out or becoming frustrated will only negatively impact their progress. Make sure to be supportive and use positive reinforcement to help them overcome any barriers they may be experiencing.
It’s also good to educate yourself about ADHD and how to support someone with the condition. You can then implement supportive structures, such as using online learning, to accommodate their learning styles if they don’t like noisy environments. You can then gradually build their confidence and potentially lead to a successful reintegration.
ADHD & online alternative provision
A student with ADHD might have a positive education experience and better outcomes using an online platform. Online alternative provisions, such as EDClass, can help accommodate the specific needs of students with ADHD and allow them to work in a comfortable environment at their own pace.
It’s also good to ensure that there is support available for students with ADHD. Make sure they can ask questions and also that there are qualified teachers to correct behaviour and learning concentration when it falters.
Claiming attendance codes can be achieved with the correct provision which raises a school’s and child’s attendance so all involved benefit. If you would like to learn more about how EDClass can do this call 01909 568338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or enquire for more information here.
