Many children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are challenged at some point during their school day. At least half of these children struggle. And that was before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now our kids are finding each day to be a new challenge, and often they are also faced with new changes in the way they’re expected to learn: going to school doesn’t necessarily involve walking to a school building anymore. Now it could mean walking to their mom’s PC, or their sister’s laptop or notebook. It certainly means learning to use new technology to attend virtual classes or being there in person with many new rules.
In families of children with extra special needs, these “basics” are overlaid with even more challenges, and parents of children with ADHD and additional issues, or additional siblings with special needs may experience even more stress as they support their child/ren while coping with extra changes.
Those parents may need additional help. To help parents and students adapt to the changing environment, the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a funded CDC partner, has worked to create resources and support for parents. These resources include advice for parents and teachers on:
- creating enough structure so that the child can learn new routines,
- keeping the child engaged with learning,
- managing difficulty with attention while coping with changes,
- setting up the home learning environment,
- helping children stay connected with other children, and
- keeping children healthy and active.
Worries over COVID-19 and related issues can cause stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, especially for children with ADHD and their family members. It’s important to reach out for help when you need it.