Homeschooling provides excellent advantages and flexibility that are ideal for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Giving children with ADHD an education that can be tailored to their requirements assists in developing their confidence and enhancing their academic performance.
Children diagnosed with ADHD frequently encounter educational, behavioral, and social challenges within a school setting. Within the confines of a conventional classroom, they must grapple with numerous distractions and adhere to rigid regulations.
The information provided on this page includes guidance on homeschooling a child with ADHD, a comparison of homeschooling versus public schooling for kids with ADHD, and tips for selecting the most suitable homeschool curriculum for your ADHD child.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling refers to the education of school-aged children outside of the typical public or private school, while distance learning involves attending classes through virtual methods.
According to data provided by the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 1.7 million children in the United States were homeschooled in 2016. In the case of homeschooling, it is commonly the parents, grandparents, or guardians who make the decision and take on the responsibility of selecting and carrying out the educational curriculum.
Sometimes, a tutor or online teacher educates the student through a homeschool program. However, the decision on the curriculum to be followed is made by the child’s parent or caregiver. Additionally, there are various homeschooling methods available, each with their own unique characteristics. This allows for flexibility in designing a program that suits your child.
Can ADHD Affect Learning
Any disorder that presents with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity will have an impact on a child’s learning abilities. The ability of a student to focus on tasks and meet expectations set by the teacher and classroom environment plays a crucial role in achieving academic success. Children with ADHD may display various behaviors, among others, that can hinder their learning experience in a classroom setting.
- Fidgeting during instructional time
- Difficulty waiting for a turn in group situations
- Inability to follow through with instructions
- Shifting tasks before completion of the previous one
- Misplacing items needed for completion of tasks
- Difficulty in listening to others without interruption
- Getting distracted or irritated by classroom noises and activity
- Becomes bored easily if the material if not moving fast enough
ADHD and Homeschooling
When comparing it to a traditional school environment, homeschooling eliminates several difficulties that students encounter. For example, fidgeting becomes less significant as it does not disturb classmates in proximity and can even enhance focus in kinesthetic learners. Similarly, the concern of waiting for one’s turn is relatively minimized when homeschooling individually or with only a few siblings.
With the help of assistive technologies, modeling, and 1-to-1 guidance, the majority of other problems can be resolved or adjusted. It should be noted that many children with ADHD have a great deal of creativity and resourcefulness. The crucial aspect of successfully homeschooling a child or teenager with ADHD is to identify methods to utilize their strengths while reducing their weaknesses.
Children with ADHD gain advantages from a tailored educational plan. A non-traditional approach to learning provides your child with a rejuvenating alternative to sitting in a classroom or at a table studying textbooks. In a home environment, where the presence of school bells, background noise, and other diversions is limited, students are more inclined to experience enhanced concentration and recall during their learning process.
Considering online homeschooling for ADHD is one way to utilize your child’s strengths for their benefit.
Best Homeschool Curriculum for ADHD
Parents in the majority of states can customize their ADHD child’s homeschool curriculum to suit their needs by combining different resources. It is common for students with the disorder to have varying levels of proficiency in different subjects.
A person may excel in mathematics but struggle in reading and writing, usually performing at a lower level than their peers. The best curriculum for these individuals is typically not a standardized one.
allows children with ADHD to have a flexible schedule, as they can commence and cease their work as necessary, study during their most productive hours, and take regular breaks.
- Minimizes outside distractions
- Allows you to choose from different activities that keep your child engaged
- Reminds your child of tasks/lessons he has not completed yet
- Allows a student to move quickly on subjects they excel at or repeat concepts where they need additional review
- Capitalizes on visual learning strengths
Who will do the teaching
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of handling the teaching tasks on your own, there are alternatives available. For instance, you can explore the option of hiring a private tutor or teacher to come to your home or provide virtual instruction, if your budget allows.
An alternative would be to collaborate with other families in your vicinity to form a homeschool pod.
How will you provide socialization opportunities
Socialization is an essential aspect of a child’s growth, which can be more conveniently achieved in a conventional educational setting. However, parents can also ensure social opportunities for their homeschooled child with ADHD by actively engaging with community organizations.
Below are a few suggestions for alternatives to consider when thinking step by step: – Take into account the following possibilities: – Ponder over the options presented: – Reflect on the available choices: – Analyze the provided alternatives: – Deliberate on the various options: – Contemplate the suggested courses of action: – Assess the potential choices: – Consider the offered alternatives: – Evaluate the available options:
- Join a local homeschool support group.
- Contact your school district to see if your child can participate in extra-curricular activities and sports.
- Enroll your child in music or dance lessons or martial arts classes.
Final tips for homeschooling a child with ADHD
Even in the best-case scenario, mistakes will happen in home-based learning, which can be highly beneficial for some students and families. Don’t feel defeated if they occur, as homeschooling is a learn-as-you-go process for both you and your child.
To avoid some of the common pitfalls you may face, take into consideration these tips which will help you.
- Have a solid support system in place before you begin.
- Provide a designated work space that’s free of noise and distractions, if possible.
- Create a structured yet flexible schedule that offers planned breaks.
- Make a rule that you will not do the work for your child when things get challenging.
- Have a plan to ensure you’re taking time for yourself.
- Keep your expectations and goals reasonable.
- Ensure you have the right tools to help your child deal with the symptoms of ADHD, such as fidget toys or wiggle seats.
Should you homeschool your child with ADHD
If you’re thinking about homeschooling your child, this is likely the question that causes you worry. To assist in deciding what is best for your family, it is advisable to contemplate the potential advantages and difficulties of home-based education.
There are multiple reasons why you might be contemplating homeschooling for your child with ADHD. A few of these reasons are:
- your son or daughter may be experiencing bullying or a negative school environment
- your child has nutritional needs that are difficult to implement in the school setting
- your child’s learning style doesn’t fit the curriculum offered in school
- you want your child to learn in ways that align with your beliefs and values
Before learning can occur, it is necessary for students with ADHD to feel safe and understood. In certain instances, homeschooling may be more suitable to meet this requirement. Nevertheless, homeschooling presents its own set of challenges.
- Homeschooling can feel like a full-time job, especially at the beginning.
- Your child may not follow instructions or respond appropriately to you as well as they would another adult.
- Like working from home, homeschooling comes with distractions that can be difficult to manage.
- Some parents find they must reduce their work hours or quit their job to accommodate homeschooling.
- The cost of homeschool may be a factor for some families.
- If you live in the United States, you may need to abide by homeschooling laws in your state.
