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Writer's pictureClaire Hsieh

School Changes and ADHD: A Challenging Journey

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often encounter hurdles when it comes to school transitions. These transitions can manifest in various ways – moving between schools, switching from in-person to online learning, or adapting to new classroom rules. These changes can be especially daunting for kids dealing with ADHD, as they may find it more challenging to adjust to new settings.


Read a blog/article on School Changes and ADHD | Consult with Total Communication for children struggling with ADHD in Singapore

Understanding ADHD in School

Most children with ADHD require some level of support within their school environment. This assistance may come in the form of special education services, shadow support, or an integrated therapy model, depending on their unique needs. These accommodations can involve adjustments to assignments, tasks, and tests, extra support with organization and time management, and enhanced communication between teachers, parents, and students.


Changing School Environments

Many children face the need to adapt to different learning environments as they progress through their educational journey. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a significant shift for many students who moved between in-person and virtual learning, and some continue to experience a blend of both.

These transitions can pose specific challenges for children with ADHD:

  1. Physical Activity: Children with ADHD benefit from regular movement, and extended periods of virtual learning can hinder this.

  2. Engagement: Traditional or virtual school settings might fail to provide the novelty and excitement needed to keep kids with ADHD engaged.

  3. Social Interaction: Limited opportunities for spontaneous interactions can affect children's social skills.

  4. Transitions: Children with ADHD often require additional support during transitions.

  5. Shared Spaces: Sharing learning spaces with parents can add stress for both students and parents.

  6. Coping with Change: Many children with ADHD have co-occurring disorders that make adapting to changes and handling virtual learning more challenging.

Some children with ADHD might find advantages in these changes, such as reduced distractions and more structured classrooms. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that each child responds uniquely to their environment. This is why parents and teachers need to explore available resources to provide tailored support.

Support for Parents, Students, and Teachers

Total Communication Therapy Center in Singapore offers a range of resources to help parents, teachers, and students navigate these educational changes. These resources encompass valuable guidance on:

  1. Structuring routines to facilitate new learning habits.

  2. Maintaining student engagement in different learning settings.

  3. Addressing attention challenges to prepare for school while adapting to changing environments.

  4. Creating an optimal learning environment within the home or at our center.

  5. Promoting social connections and supporting relationships through social skills and supportive programmes.

  6. Ensuring the holistic well-being of children.

Supporting Parents through the Challenges Caring for a child with special needs, especially one with ADHD, can be an additional source of stress. Parents may find themselves struggling to support their children while coping with numerous changes. In such uncertain times, there are various support groups designed for parents with information and resources to gain a deeper understanding of ADHD, learn how to better support their child, and find guidance on managing their own stress levels.

Want help for your child struggling with ADHD in Schools? Contact Total Communication

Total Communication conducts parent training as well to help parents navigate through these challenges and learn what to do at home to ensure they are an extended resource of therapy for their child struggling with ADHD. The Vital Role of Schools in ADHD Treatment The treatment of ADHD necessitates the active involvement of schools. They have a dual role to play:

  1. Being an integral part of effective ADHD treatment plans.

  2. Providing essential special education services and accommodations to children with ADHD.

Various international and local school recognizes their critical role in ADHD treatment. The schools have started to adopt evidence-based behavioral classroom management, with a focus on positive responses, that aligns with effective ADHD treatment. This approach complements parent training in behavior management.

To ensure a child's successful journey, parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and students themselves can work together to develop a tailored approach that best suits the student's unique needs.

Ready to enable your child with ADHD to tap on their full potential? Discover a brighter future for your child by harnessing the power of Total Communication's integrated therapy model. Our specialized programmes are designed to help children not only fit into school environments but thrive. With a dedicated team of professionals and educators, we provide support both in school and through our extended home-based services, tailored to meet your child's unique needs.


Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Reach out today to learn how we can provide the comprehensive support your child deserves. Don't wait; your child's success begins here!


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