ADHD resources and support in Fort Lauderdale

Key Takeaways:

• Students with ADHD may struggle more when attempting virtual learning
• Additional support services may be altered or suspended
• There are ways to help your child succeed
• Virtual school provides a chance to create a plan that works for your child
• You can find ADHD support in Fort Lauderdale

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) makes it difficult for children and teens to focus and stay on task, making school a challenge. These students may already face specific struggles, such as completing assignments, following instructions, or staying organized. These issues have nothing to do with intelligence but are related to a real learning difference.

School closures have meant students must attend school virtually.  Academic success for these kinds of learners is nearly impossible with the remote education model. If you’re a parent who fears your child is falling behind, we have tips and solutions, including ADHD support in Fort Lauderdale.

ADHD and the challenges of virtual school

Virtual school might be necessary for safety reasons, but there is no question that it poses difficulties for students with ADHD. While any student can struggle with the new remote format, ADHD adds extra challenges and obstacles to this type of learning.

Difficulty with focus

The symptoms of ADHD include trouble focusing for long periods. Even though kids are used to spending so much time staring at screens, the usual classroom lessons are difficult to recreate in a virtual setting. It can be hard for real learning to progress via computer, especially for students in primary grades (PreK – 3rd grade). 

Lack of extra support

Many students with ADHD receive additional support or services, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plan. These programs are designed to help students with learning differences.

Special education services can include instruction in small groups, extra time to complete assignments and tests, alternative ways to complete assignments, and help organizing school work. IEPs and 504 Plans are another casualty of the remote environment. Many of these services have been severely curtailed or even suspended. 

7 Tips to help your child succeed

1. Talk to your child’s teachers about different ways to support your child

Can you come up with different accommodations? Perhaps dictation software could help or more time to complete assignments or tests?

2. More flexibility with your schedule 

Although there are times when your child must log in to hear lessons or receive assignments, he or she does have a bit more flexibility to get the work done. This means you can create a work schedule that works better for your child. Choose a time when your child is most likely to focus. You can also create a visual schedule or calendar so your child can stay on task easier.

3. Schedule more free time

Schools have to maintain a strict schedule, leaving little room for adjustments. Remote learning gives you the freedom to switch things up. You can include:

• free play
• educational games
• other activities your child enjoys

Games help your child use their brain differently. They are also a great motivator to get work completed.  

4. Maintain structure and predictability

While you may have some freedom to create a schedule, it’s important to stick to it. Children with ADHD often need that structure to maintain focus and know what’s expected of them.

5. Focus on your child’s strengths

It’s easy to put a lot of emphasis on areas where your child struggles. Try focusing on their strengths instead. Give immediate feedback, along with positive encouragement about effort or work that gets turned in on time.

6. Get more physical

Children with ADHD often have trouble sitting still for long. That goes double when attempting to sit in front of a computer for several hours. The average school day does include breaks, even if students are simply moving from one class to another. Your schedule should include breaks, as well. These breaks are beneficial for children who struggle with hyperactivity, especially if you’re encouraging them to be active.

7. Maintain social connections

All children need to socialize with peers. Building friendships is important. Being around other kids helps them learn how to work with others, express ideas, and solve differences. While social distancing is still necessary, try to create opportunities for your child to see friends and classmates. This is important for their emotional and mental health, particularly if your child struggles in social settings.

Get ADHD support in Fort Lauderdale

If your child needs ADHD support in Fort Lauderdale, The Learning Lab has the resources you need. Our eLearning Lab services can help your child bridge the gap between what they learn in a virtual class. Another great program is our Homework Lab. We help your child finish incomplete assignments or additional homework and projects. We can also reteach challenging material, help your child prepare for tests, and provide structure, accountability, organization, focus, and executive functioning skills coaching. 

We collaborate with your child’s school and teachers, reteach concepts and lessons, and review schoolwork. Plus, we can work with the school to maintain IEPs or 504 Plans.

We can also help with other learning challenges, including:

• Dyslexia and related conditions
• Reading difficulties
• Auditory processing disorder (APD)
• Mild to moderate autism
• Other learning disabilities

Contact us today to get the support your child needs to succeed.