Dear Teacher

Dear Teacher.

I would like to talk with you about my child and the coming school year. First I want to brag about him; he's bright, fun-loving, and energetic. But to be honest with you, you may not admire these qualities in the classroom.

Although he is bright, he may not finish his assignments. And even though he "knows" the material he may still fail a test. He's bright all right, but he will not remember where he put his book or pencil. He's chaotic in his approach and is terribly disorganized. He's the kid who won't wait his turn, who won't raise his hand, who will blurt out the answer before you finish your question. One day he might zip through his work and get everything correct and the next day he may get so bogged down he might not even try, or the work he does may be messy and incorrect

His fun-loving attitude causes him to be disruptive an class. He may say and do things without thinking. He might not get along with his classmates. His behavior is age-inappropriate. His fun-loving causes him to have an "I want it my way" attitude and may cause classmates to reject him, ostracize him or tease him. He has this get it over with attitude and rushes through assignments. He'll go from one activity to another if he isn't interested in something that is going on. He might complain of being tired and then when something he is interested in is presented, suddenly his focus will sharpen and he's right on target!

He's energetic and won't sit still. He'll get up and sharpen his pencil a hundred times. He'll fly his pencil through the air like it's an airplane, or pick his socks with it, or roll it across the desk. or poke his neighbor. He describes himself as "not sitting still even when I am sitting still". He may get too excited over things and overreact to situations. He may have a hard time calming down after gym or lunch. Ask him what the rules are and he can tell you what they are, but he may not always follow them—he's so impulsive.

You see, he's attention deficit hyperactive. Statistics say that there is one hyperactive child in every classroom, and this year, he's the hyperactive child who is in your class! His ADHD affects his behavior and learning. He is a challenge to parent and teach.

This year can be successful if you and I plan for his success. If we recognize that ADHD is a problem and understand how ADHD causes him specific problems. we can plan strategies and interventions. Fortunately, we don't have to do the job alone. There are professionals who can help us. The pediatrician, psychologist, special educators and you and I can form a team to address my child's problems. We can help each other and share what has and hasn't worked for us in the past. We can keep an open line of communication. There will be plans that won't work and we'll have to make new plans.

I know it won't be easy. I know this will be time consuming and demanding. I attend a support group for parents and teachers who have ADHD children. The group has local experts to address the topics of ADHD and has information on ADHD-books and articles. I need continuing information and support. The more I learn, the more there is to learn about this complex "disorder." You are welcomed to attend the meetings with me.

My child is a child with a "disorder", "dysfunctions", "delays", "deficits", "differences", and "disabilities". But from what I've learned about ADD with appropriate home and school accommodations, my child can overcome his "disability" and become an adult who achieves his potential and contributes in society. But we have to plan for his success today.

I have some guidelines for teaching the ADHD child. When is it convenient time for you to meet with me and start making plans?

Ed Note: This letter was shared by HAAD, HyperActive Attention Deficit., 106 South St., Suite 207, Charlottesville, VA .