Teachers usually have the best interest of their students in mind. When a teacher sees a student who's struggling to concentrate, it's her responsibility to bring this to parents' attention. We do agree that teachers are not qualified to diagnose ADHD, but they are usually very good at knowing what behaviors are within the normal range for children, and what behaviors or problems fall outside the norm.

ADHD is a medical condition and the educational staff of a school are not qualified to diagnose ADHD. If you believe your child may have symptoms of ADHD, then you should consult with your family doctor, your child's pediatrician, or other licensed medical/mental health professional who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Teachers and other school personnel can play an important role by evaluating your child's learning ability and determine educational deficits.

The diagnosis of ADHD in the preschool child is possible, but can be difficult and should be made cautiously by experts well trained in childhood neurobehavioral disorders. Developmental problems, especially language delays, and adjustment problems can sometimes imitate ADHD. Treatment should focus on placement in a structured preschool with parent training and support.

ADHD continues into adulthood in most cases. However, by developing their strengths, structuring their environments, and using medication when needed, adults with ADHD can lead very productive lives. In some careers, having a high-energy behavior pattern can be an asset.

Yes. Approximately one-third of people with ADHD never have symptoms of hyperactivity. Females with ADHD are less likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity compared to males.

Many children with ADD/ADHD experience a general diminishing of symptoms as they approach adulthood. However, approximately 50-60% of children with ADHD will still meet the full criteria for ADHD as adults and will continue to have significant problems with attention and impulsivity in their academic, occupational, or social life. The majority of children with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD.

The brain of a child with ADHD is like a TV set that isn’t receiving a perfect signal. For the child it’s as if the channel keeps changing, too. Imagine you are watching the news on BBC1. Suddenly, somebody picks up the remote control and flicks over to ITV. A second later the programme changes to Channel 4 and then back to BBC1. Then it switches to BBC2. If you were asked about the news on BBC1, you might find it hard to remember.

Yes. Intelligence and AD/HD are separate. It is possible to be intellectually gifted and have AD/HD, too. However, AD/HD may impact academic performance. When a child is identified as both gifted and as a child with AD/HD, this is often called twice exceptional. School accommodations may be appropriate.

Here are tips for parents who think their child may have ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. Post the chedule in a prominent place, so your child can see where he or she is expected to be throughout the day and when it's time for homework, play, and chores. Help your child organize. Put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them. Avoid distractions.

If your child does not have seizures during the day and is not experiencing any behavior or learning problems, you may not need to tell anyone at school. On the other hand, teachers certainly need to know about seizures that occur during the school day. The teacher also can play a vital role in helping to manage your child's epilepsy. Information about seizure activity, medication side effects, or any change in behavior during the school day will be very valuable for you and your doctor.

Reduce seating distractions. Lessening distractions might be as simple as seating your child near the teacher instead of near the window. Use a homework folder for parent-teacher communications. The teacher can include assignments and progress notes, and you can check to make sure all work is completed on time. Break down assignments. Keep instructions clear and brief, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Give positive reinforcement.

Any certified teacher can evaluate your child's portfolio as long as they are certified in the grade level of your child. As with choosing a supervising teacher, it is very important who you choose as your portfolio evaluator. Reading the article, "Using the Supervising Teacher Option" by supervising teacher & homeschooling mom, Terri Miller, will help you choose an evaluator that will complement your teaching style.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also called ADD) is a neurobiological condition that affects an estimated 4-7% of the U.S. population. ADHD is an ongoing condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. It occurs in both males and females, and in people of all races, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. ADHD may cause significant impairments in many areas of life such as school, home, the workplace, and in family and social relationships.

To allow the best chance to get dry for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is best to first get treatment for the ADHD before attempting treatments for bedwetting.

Maybe. A child who was denied coverage under IDEA may qualify for coverage under Section 504. The key is whether or not the student's AD/HD substantially impacts a major life activity.

Yes, adults can be evaluated for ADD/ADHD. We know from clinical experience that ADD is often undiagnosed in adults and can have serious negative consequences left untreated. Recent research suggests that ADHD possesses a strong genetic component and is often present in multiple members of the same family.

Maybe. A child who was denied coverage under IDEA may qualify for coverage under Section 504. The key is whether or not the student’s AD/HD substantially impacts a major life activity.

A student can be diagnosed with many types of learning and/or physical challenges and still be gifted. Some of the gifted students could have dyslexia, visual/auditory processing difficulties, and other needs. The gifted program can still meet the needs of these students.

You should request that the school intervention team conduct an eligibility evaluation, which includes testing, parent interviews, record reviews, and observations. Not all children diagnosed with ADHD qualify for an IEP. Only children who have a disability that impedes their ability to learn will qualify for an IEP.

Our preschool groups have up to 10 children and one teacher. Our toddler group has 10 children and two teachers. In addition to our classroom teachers, we have two “floating” teachers and an Assistant Director. Therefore, built in to our program, we have three teachers who can substitute as needed. Thus, children will always have someone they know. If no teacher is out sick, they function as additional teachers in the classrooms.

All Center School staff members have access to voice mail. However, our teachers have only a small period of time each day to check on their messages and we have a limited number of phones in our building. We do not have telephone access in our classrooms. Typically, e-mail is the most efficient means of communicating with Center School teachers, though phone calls may be made (especially in emergency situations).

the beginning of each year and again whenever warranted, your child's teachers are given a copy of the IEP and are required to read it over and discuss it with the Child Study Team.

Our program operates from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM on teacher in-service days. Any items from home necessary for field trips (i.e. a packed lunch) will be listed in the monthly newsletter.

There are many opportunities for parents to help teachers and students both in and out of the classroom. We are always in need of parent volunteers to help in the classroom. If you are interested in helping please see your child's teacher. If you are unable to come to school to help but are interested in having projects sent home to cut or color, please let your teacher know.

You may. A teacher certified K-6, K-8, or K-9 can supervise or evaluate portfolios for children in grades K-9. A teacher certified in grades 5-12 or 7-12 can supervise or evaluate portfolios for students in grades 5-12. You do not need a supervising teacher for a child under 6 or over 16.

School personnel do not have the medical training necessary to tell parents to place their children on medication. We believe that it is inappropriate for individual professionals to offer advice outside their field of training, expertise, or licensing. While teachers and other school personnel play a critical role in identifying potential education problems, they are not qualified either to diagnose a medical condition or suggest specific treatments for addressing that medical condition.