High school

[Bonbon55]

Hello everyone, my question is is it absolutely necessary to inform my sons high school that he has ADD? My son's pediatrician when he was first diagnosed informed me it probably was the best not to let the school now it would be something that would follow him in his records for the rest of his life . Thoughts

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi,

I am baffled as to why a pediatrician would say that as a warning. We're not talking about something like a criminal record for crying out loud--it's a health condition that very much impacts his ability to do well in school! Of all the places that SHOULD know about his ADHD, school is top on the list!

Here are two important reasons why it's a very good reason to notify the school:

1. It's important that the school (teachers) know your son-- his strengths as well as weaknesses--so they are able to help him to the best of their ability. If they don't know about his ADHD, they can't help in terms of providing the accommodations that are allowed (required) under the law. Even if you don't want special education services, he is very likely entitled to a "504 accommodation plan" which basically levels the playing field for him so he has just as much of a chance of doing well in school as any other student without ADHD. Your son deserves to have every opportunity to succeed

2. It's important that he (and you) not be ashamed of his diagnosis. ADHD is not something to be ashamed of. It's a medical diagnosis that impacts his life in a very real way. And it's something he's very likely going to have to deal with the rest of his life so it's important that he find the tools, tips and techniques that work for him so he can succeed in a way that is meeting his goals and dreams. We all have challenges and issues; his is ADHD. It's important that he learn to live with it in the best way he can. He should be learning more about it and what specifically it means for him in terms of his needs, and he should be learning how to advocate for himself--asking for what he needs. None of this can happen if it's treated as a shameful secret.

Here's an analogy: To hide the ADHD from his school would be like hiding a broken arm from a baseball coach. If you want to play baseball, you let the coach know about your arm so he can help you meet those goals despite your challenge of the broken arm. You could hide it, try to fake; sure! But why would you if telling the coach helps you succeed?

Hope this helps,

Joyce Mabe

Parent coach, school counselor, mom of adult son with ADHD

website: parentcoachjoyce.coom

[Hidden]

I think by not in the school know is not to label him to help him see you keep yourself and all his meetings also let your doctor know there a lot of people out there who suffer with ADHD and still have a very bright future my sons Dr. has AD HD with two PhD's

[Boymom3]

I think the school needs to know.