Do you have anything for a sixth-grader with ADD? He has trouble following instructions, especially on tests, hurries through assignments to get them completed, and has a poor short-term memory. What do others do to help their children who have ADD? - Seeking Help
Answer: Hopefully, your son is receiving the special help he needs at school under federal laws applying to the education of children who have attention deficit disorder (ADD). The two primary laws are Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Parents can provide a home environment that makes it easier for children with ADD to learn how to control some aspects of their behavior. Then it becomes less difficult for the children to handle school tasks. Here are some suggestions of things that you can do to help your son:
-Always be supportive of your child and give him unconditional love.
-Stick to a predictable schedule and routine in your home so your son will know what to expect each day.
-Maintain discipline by establishing a few consistent rules with immediate consequences whenever a rule is broken.
-Train your child in the fine art of being organized.
-Teach him to make lists.
-Have your son get in the habit of looking people in the eye when they give him directions.
-Give him simple one-step directions to follow. When he can handle these, go on to two- then three-step directions.
-Teach him to use an assignment pad to keep track of homework.
-Use a homework contract to specify when and where he will do his homework.
-Help him plan how he will handle his homework and other tasks each day.
-Make a checklist together of all the things that he needs to do the night before to be ready for the next school day.
-Give him some clearly defined chores around the house.
-Reward good behavior. Praise and rewards are more effective than punishment.
-Don't forget to have an abundance of fun and humor in your daily lives.
-Join an ADD parental support group to learn more about how to help your child.