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Hello. My name is Jennifer Martinez and I am the proud mother of 7-year-old Liyah. Liyah loves to read Charlotte's Web, play softball, and watch Paw Patrol. Aside from her hobbies, Liyah happens to have Attention-Deficit/Hyper Activity Disorder. But Liyah is far more that just her diagnosis. She is a loving, compassionate, and humble little girl who one day wishes to be a veterinarian. Liyah is not any ordinary little girl, she has that like extra something that makes her extraordinary.

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ADHD manifests itself in childhood and may lead into adulthood. Symptoms vary among different age ranges. In children and teenagers, they may experience:

difficulty in paying attention for long periods of time

are easily distracted

constantly daydream

have difficulty completing a task

have poor organization

alientate peers

can't stay still

and/or is impulsive

In adults, the symptoms experienced in childhood or adolescence are elevated. Symptoms may include:

not being able to control anger

easily lash out towards others

mood swings

low self-esteem

physical abuse (self-harm) or towards others

and/or or substance abuse

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Helpful Strategies for Teachers to Apply in Their Classrooms

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Helpful Strategies for Teachers to Apply in Their Classrooms

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There are numerous strategies that teachers can apply in their classrooms to help children with ADHD. Before I list them I would like to mention the "golden rule" when working, or raising, a with child with ADHD. Due to the nature of a child being impulsive and easily angered, severerly reprimanding or punishing a child for his or actions will only make the situation worse. On that note, the strategies that may be implemented in a classroom and have been proven to work according to ATTitudeMag are:

establish rules and routines

use peer models

allow breaks/movement e.g have the child pass out papers

playtime/recess

provide frequent positive feedback

ask questions rather than reprimand (as mentioned previously)

keep an open line of communication with parents

provide more "hands-on" learning activities

What I found that helps Liyah concentrate is always having a figet spinner with her on hand. She loves it and it has positively benefitted her both in the classroom and at home.

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High Quality Resources for Teachers and Parents

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High Quality Resources for Teachers and Parents

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Although teachers cannot diagose a child with an exceptionality they are still a valuable resource. If they recognize that one of their students has ADHD or any other type of condition they can implement a lesson plan that would work for all of the children. Some parents find it offensive when a teacher advises them on what their child may possibly have, but this way all children are included. Teachers and parents are resources for one another and I cannot stress how much I appreciated Liyah's teacher's comments on her progress.

Outside resources that may be helpful for children with ADHD respectfully are non-profit organizations, assistive devices, parental coaching, and reading as many books as you can. At first I had no idea where to seek help. I researched local non-profit organizations that would have any type of help and I came across ADHD Institute. What drew my attention to their organization was that they provided both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical therapies. Before coming across the fighet spinner I looked for other assistive devices that Liyah could use while in class and I found Bouncy Bands. It did help her release some of her energy for a time but Liyah prefers the fidget spinner because she mentioned to me that the Bouncy Bands made her feel like the white elephant in the room. Assistive devices should be provided to children and teachers play a big role in their accessibility. The more children have access to them, the more normalized it becomes. As a mom it was and still is important for me to recieve parent coaching and be apart of a support group. In order for me to 100% there for Liyah I need to take care of myself as well and have my own outlet all while being informed of any potential new strategies or research. This ties in with reading because you can never have to much information. Whenever I find a new therapy, medication, or device that claims to aid children with ADHD I like to do my own research on the pros and cons and as a result make my own decision.

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How does it feel to be the parent of your child?

When Liyah first had her diagnosis it was difficult because I was afraid that I would fail her as her mother. I did not feel confident enough in myself that I could provide her with what she needed. I had no idea where to start. However, I came to the realization that there is no single path to take. I began doing lots and lots of research and tried everything that I could. I feel proud of Liyah because she taught me to be confident. No matter what she is presented with she tries her best.

How is your child developmentally the same and different from other children at the various ages?

Liya is developmentally the same from other children in the developmental areas of literacy, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. She is a very active girl and the upside to ADHD is that the high energy she possess, she lets out creatively whether it is through playing dress up or drawing. Liyah is developmentally different from other children cognitively and socially because she is still learning how to behave around other children. For example, right now we are working on learning to share toys and take turns. I would also add that although Liyah likes to keep to herself is very expressive because when she is feeling overwhelmed or too distracted she makes sure to let me know and her teachers exactly how she is feeling. This is something we have worked on together.

What professionals or agencies do you deal with? What services are available to you and your child?

There are many services and treatments options available for ADHD like therapy, medications, and school arrangements. The professionals that I deal with are therapists and doctors depending on the goal. I have Liyah see her therapist once, sometimes twice, a week. I don't like to overwhelm her with too much therapy. What I like to do is implement her therapists strategies at home to lessen the possibility of her being bored or too distracted. If she is have a rough couple of days or week I will have her therapist see her more and occasionally the therapy session will be outdoors to make it more interesting for her and less intimidating. It is also a good way for her to practice being around many surroundings yet still focusing on her therapist. When it comes to medications, I like to get a second opinion before administering Liyah any necessary medications.

How did you find out about the above services?

I found out through the above services by asking Liyah's teachers, word of mouth, and my own online research.

What financial burden, if any, are you experiencing?

I am lucky to have a partner who helps me out in anything and everything. Our health insurance does not always cover for Liyah's therapies and/or medications but we are fortunate enough to not have a financial struggle. Either way Liyah deserves the best so her health is our number one priority.

What other information do you want to share?

I would just like to share to other parents that if your child is diagnosed with a special need, prepare yourself to fight. This fight will include going back and forth with insurance companies, multiple doctors visits to ensure the proper treatment plan, enrollment in a school/district, IEPs and 504 plans, and well as being criticized by other parents, maybe your own family, and the risk of bullying towards your child. It will not be easy, but anything that is easy is not worth it and your child,  and my Liyah, is worth the whole universe.

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1. The website, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html, is a valuable resource for parents who have just learned about their child's diagnosis with ADHD. The centers for disease control and prevention highlights the first steps that are important for parents to make such as behavior training therapy training for parents, medications, and support in and out of the classroom.

2. The website, https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/what-i-wish-id-known-sooner/2017/02/16/now-i-get-what-its-like-to-have-adhd?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu_Kz7MmE3gIVRF9-Ch1qpQJ3EAAYASAAEgKq__D_BwE, is a website where parents and can share their thoughts with one another. A tool called "Through Your Child's Eyes Tool" is also provided in this website and it is a simulation that parents can use to understand different types of special needs. On this particular blog post by Amy Ciarlo, she shares how difficult it was for her to be able to put herself in her son's shoes. I enjoyed reading this blog and I recommend it to other parents whose child has ADHD because the simulation provides you with a different perspective. As Amy said, "For the first time, it clicked for me. When my son looks like he’s not paying attention, he’s actually doing his best to pay attention to only one thing at a time" and those are the words that stuck to me.

3. The website, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml, is the National Institute of Mental Health that helps parents understand what the symptoms associated with ADHD are and breaks each most common symptom down. It also helps explain the risk factors that could be the potential cause of ADHD, treatment and therapy options, and how to find clinical trials and studies if interested in participating in one.

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“Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Sept. 2018, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html.
Dendy, Chris Zeigler. “How Teachers Can Help Every Student Shine.” ADDitude,    ADDitude, 8 Aug. 2018, www.additudemag.com/teaching-strategies-for-students-with-adhd/.
“What Professionals Should Be Involved in ADHD Treatment? | ADD/ADHD Treatment.” Sharecare, www.sharecare.com/health/add-adhd-treatment/what-professionals-involved-adhd-treatment.
“Resource Guide for ADHD.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/adhd/resource-guide#online-resources.
“ADHD & Kids: The Truth About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” Time, Time, time.com/growing-up-with-adhd/.
“What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd#1.
“The Upside of ADHD: Leadership, Athleticism, Creativity, Hyperfocus.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/adhd/benefits-of-adhd#4.
Silver, Larry. “Half of All Kids with ADHD Have a Learning Disability or Related Condition.” ADDitude, ADDitude, 7 Sept. 2018, www.additudemag.com/half-of-all-kids-with-adhd-have-a-learning-disability-or-related-condition/.