Homework can be a source of frustration and difficulty particularly for students with ADHD. As a parent, you can help lessen that frustration by creating an organized and comfortable space within your home for your child to do homework. This might be a kitchen table, desk, or even a floor mat. The best space is…

Appealing a School Decision There are times when a family and school staff do not agree on the services or accommodations a student with a disability needs at school. Federal law provides parents the right to appeal a decision by the school in both special education (IDEA) and Section 504 accommodations for eligible students with…

During the academic year, school-age kids spend at least six hours a day at school. Add in extracurricular activities beyond the regular school day, and those six hours can easily become eight or 10.  This means that kids spend 25% or more of their time with adults other than their parents—mostly teachers. As every parent…

Parents, schools, and teachers should work together to make sure that children learn all they can. Communication and collaboration between home and school is very important when a child needs extra help at school.  The National Resource Center on ADHD suggests that parents who think their child might require services or accommodations do the following:…

You can submit a written request for an academic evaluation for your child attending a public school to determine which type of academic accommodations plan would be most helpful.  A completed evaluation is required to see if a child is eligible for special education under IDEA. The school must have written authorization (informed consent and…

Section 504 is a federal civil rights statute that says schools cannot discriminate against children with disabilities. It says that schools that receive federal dollars must provide eligible children with disabilities with an equal opportunity to participate in all academic and non-academic services the school offers. The school must also provide appropriate accommodations based on…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that provides special education and needed related services for an eligible child with a disability to benefit from the child’s education. Services received under IDEA are often referred to as “special education.” An Individualized Education Program (IEP; sometimes called an Individualized Education Plan) is…

Federal laws provide for services and accommodations for students with disabilities in the United States. Understanding the differences between 504 and IEP plans can help you navigate the public education system for your child. Two federal laws guarantee a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and provide services or accommodations to eligible students with disabilities…

ADHD can affect learning and development from a very young age. Child Find, public school systems, some private schools and even colleges and universities are required to help students with ADHD and other disabilities rise to meet educational challenges. Children with all three presentations of ADHD, predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, and combined presentation, may face many challenges in a…

Want to learn more about substance use disorder, misuse, and diversion information for parents of teenagers and young adults with ADHD? Take a look at CHADD’s free on-demand course here. When properly prescribed and administered, medications approved for the treatment of ADHD have been shown to be highly safe and effective. Parents of children and…

Your Teen and Driving When your teenaged son or daughter starts driving, it will be the greatest risk to your teen’s health and safety is a motor vehicle. Of all possible risks—including illness, substance use and violence—none has the greater potential to cause serious injury or even death to a young person than a motor vehicle…

“Shouldn’t my teen have outgrown this by now?” You, along with many other parents, may be wondering why your child hasn’t outgrown his or her difficulties sitting still, thinking of consequences before acting, resisting distractions, organizing daily activities and managing time wisely. People used to think that only young kids had ADHD and that children…