Labeling a kid with ADHD in school

United States
May 5, 2007 7:43am CST
My son was diagnosed this year, in kindergarten, with ADHD. We are now in the process of filling out paperwork for him to enter first grade and there are many questions regarding health concerns, medications your child is taking, etc. I can understand their need for such information, but I do not want my child to be "labeled" before he enters his new class. He is very bright and with medication we have seen a huge improvement in him. I am wondering how others handle this?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
6 May 07
Actually I found it to be beneficial to my son for his teacher to know that he had ADHD. She went out of her way to learn new methods that would work better for him. Before the school year began this year I went in to speak to my sons first grade teacher. I explained my sons condition to her and what some of his triggers were to having a bad day. This helped her to know what to expect because each child who has ADHD is different. If you are worried about your child being labeled I would suggest that you take the time to speak to your sons first grade teacher at the start of the school year. You know your child the best. You can give her helpful suggestions as to waht works best for your son. Make yourself available for the teacher so that she is able to ask you questions.
• United States
6 May 07
His kindergarten teacher does know and yes, I do plan on talking to his first grade teacher when the time arives. I just don't want him labeled before the year begins-before his teacher has been picked. Our school has us fill out paperwork regarding our children's learning styles, strengths and weaknesses. And then they interview them. This is how they determine which child goes with which teacher. I am concerned that if they have a perception of him because of his ADHD before his teacher has been chosen, that it will affect the outcome. If I can answer all of the other questions and he can attend the interview without them knowing, I would prefer to do it that way.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 May 07
Schools today either have or should have access to educational material for adhd and add. It's important for your child to get the support he needs in school. The only way to do that is to speak with teachers and help them to get educated on the symptoms and behaviors of adhd.
@AnisReyn (57)
• United States
16 Jul 07
I can understand your need of such information on labeled in the school system. Some school systems have help for parents in Advocites for the school to parents of ADHD children. I think you can interview the potinetaly Teachers and make a request for your child to go in that teachers class room, it is one way for you to know that you are comfortable with the teacher that you will have contact with the most.
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
9 May 07
Actually, getting him "labeled" is the best thing you can do for him. By being "labeled", he is entitled to extra assistance IF he needes it; it lets the teachers know that if there is a change in his behavior they may need to let you know so your doctor can adjust his meds before it becomes a real problem; it also means that he should be given an IEP (Individual Education Program) and that lets you and his teachers communicate more closely in planning a course of education for him (my son was also very bright but we found he needed extra time on tests which he was able to get because of his ADHD). Labeling a kid with ADHD is no big deal now days because so MANY kids are diagnosed with ADHD and other learning disorders. Now, the kids without labels are the ones who are "left out".
@mik0930 (371)
• Philippines
5 May 07
I also have ADHD when I was in elementary up to last year. I did not take any medication but it was all self control. :D It was all about discipline and training. Well, it's hard for him since he's still a kid.
• Singapore
7 May 07
I believe that ADHD can still be in the mainstream learning. The teacher in the class must understand characteristic of ADHD. They can still learn and do well if they are taught how to cope with their behaviours. I have personally taught a boy with ADHD before. I can actually learn and as time passes his concentration level also improved. I have worked with him since he was 8 years old and now he is 13 years old. He is presently doing well in the secondary level. Your child's class teacher must understand ADHD and provides a release area for your child when he cannot sit still anymore. They need to release their energy quite frequently. Medication can help but not for the whole day so good coping strategies implemented by his teacher is more important.
@Gorgeous24 (1091)
• United States
12 May 07
My nephew was diagnosed with ADHD last month and we all kinda suspected he had it but he jus started takin medication for it and he has calmed down. The school and his teacher know and i think its better that they do know because then they can handle him better in certain situations. Classrooms these days are filled with 20-30 kids so its hard for the teachers to jus pay attention to his ceratin needs so yes i think its best if they all know..and its nothing to be ashamed of.