Copy of Blog: Back to School Anxiety

[Audio] Back to School Anxiety In the United States, approximately 6.4 million children have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). Many of these children go on to lead successful lives, but for some, the transition back to school can be anxiety-inducing. There are a number of reasons why kids with ADHD may feel anxious about going back to school. For one, they may be worried about meeting new people and fitting in. Additionally, they may be concerned about keeping up with their peers academically. ADHD can make it difficult for kids to focus in class, learn new material and perform well in assignments. This can make getting a good education difficult and stressful for kids with ADHD. Kids with ADHD may have a hard time following directions, paying attention, and completing tasks. They may also be easily distractible, impulsive, and have a hard time sitting still. These symptoms can make schoolwork and homework challenging. In addition, kids with ADHD may struggle with making and keeping friends. Remind your child that they have a gift. Children with ADHD struggle more at school than their neurologically normal peers. Your child understands this intuitively, and you shouldn't pretend otherwise. If your child laments that their classmates don't seem to have the same problem, you should verify their feelings. But don't stop there. Remind them of their glowing areas. Artistic talent and athletic ability may not help them pass math exams, but those advantages set them apart from their peers. Plus, the skills they are learning now — namely resilience and confidence — will.

[Audio] serve them later in life. After all, many celebrities, inventors, geniuses, and pro athletes have ADHDlived successful and glamorous lives. Support kid connections: Before the school year starts, help your child connect with other children who will attend their school. Set up in-person or online play dates, register your child at a summer camp, or have them join a local sports team or extracurricular activity. If you don't know families that attend the school, contact your school's principal or PTA president for ideas on how to meet some. Stay positive: Remind your child about their past successes. No matter what their school situation was last year, there's a high chance it was neither normal nor ideal — and they did it! They are superheroes now, and they will take the new school year on. Yes, they might still have to wear masks, but now they can do science in class or ( fingers crossed) have more freedom to play in different areas of the school yard at recess. Remind your child: 'You know you.' If this past year taught me anything, it was what was working for my child and what wasn't. That kind of self-knowledge is a powerful thing for a child to have. Encourage your kids to take what they have learned about themselves as learners into the school year ahead. This might mean practicing self-advocacy, leaning into a new learning strategy, or incorporating technology into their education in new ways..

. .