Approximately six million children have been diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. If your child has this problem, going to a public school may be difficult for them, especially if their symptoms are severe. If you are planning to put them in private school because of this, below are two things you can do to help them.

ADHD Coaching

You can hire an ADHD coach to help your child with school. This person is trained to work with students that have this disorder. They can help your child develop a strategy to deal with the complications that their ADHD may pose for their school work, including problems paying attention, problems staying on task, difficult organizing, and trouble setting goals.

The ADHD coach can help your child break down their assignments into smaller tasks, as your child may have difficulty completing a long-term project. The coach will help your child learn how to organize properly, which will greatly help them in their studies.

The ADHD coach may also work with the teachers at your child's school to develop lesson plans and strategies that work best for your child in the classroom.

A good place to start in finding a good ADHD coach is your child's doctor, psychologist, or local CHADD chapter. Some coaches have gone through a certification process to become an ADHD coach.

The Right School

One of the best ways you can help your child is to choose the right private school for ADHD for them. Find schools in your area and set up an appointment to tour the school.  Once you arrive, ask the school how large the classrooms are. You do not want your child to be in a large classroom, as they may not get the individual help they need.

The layout of the school is also important, as it should be easy to navigate. Many children with ADHD have problems with memory, and you want to ensure your child will be able to find their way around school.

The school should also be flexible and adapt to your child's learning style. For example, your child may need to record what the teacher is saying instead of taking notes. They may need to have extra time to take each test.

The structure of the classroom is something else you should be aware of. Most children with ADHD require a structured environment to excel because they have problems with focus and memory. For example, the teacher should not only verbally tell the children what their homework assignment is but also write it on the board. The teacher should also do their best to stick to the same schedule every day.

Once you have narrowed down your search to a few private schools, take your child with you to see how comfortable they are in the school. For more information about private schools and what programs will suit your child best, talk with educators at the International School of MN.