Tips for students with ADHD amid back-to-school season

JACKSON, Tenn. — We all know that school is right around the corner, and getting prepared can be difficult.

We were able to speak with Dr. James Anderson. He is a board-certified pediatrician focused solely on children and adolescents in need of care for mental and behavioral health.

He mainly spoke with us about some tips for our ADHD students going back to school in a few days.

“I always like to say back to school starts really the day after school ends,” Dr. Anderson said. “That gives us a good time to assess how things went last year. If we have a 504 plan for academic accommodations it gives us a chance to kind of reassess that and update it.”

Dr. Anderson also told us a good idea for meeting with the school early to get prepared.

“Often times they will meet with the parents before school starts when the office is open to let the parents get a chance to know the guidance counselor and the teacher,” said Dr. Anderson. “To let the guidance counselor get a chance to know the kids. The parents can share what works for the child and what the challenges are.”

One of the biggest ways to get prepared for the school year is getting back on the right sleep schedule. This can be a big adjustment.

“We will always worry about sleep and the kids getting adequate sleep,” Dr. Anderson said. “So number one I try to do things like getting our sleep schedule before school starts back.”

Setting the groundwork now can really help make a difference when it is time to return to school.

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