What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in middle school
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Bob Cunningham, EdM
Middle-schoolers with ADHD may have a hard time organizing and completing more complicated work. They may also struggle with peer relationships. Here’s what your child’s teacher may be seeing.
Has trouble switching gears
Your child does the daily problem on the board but then forgets to hand in homework.
Your child comes to class after socializing in the hallway and can’t settle down.
Your child moves from one subject to the next and can’t remember what was read last.
The issue: Kids with ADHD might have trouble multitasking and switching focus to new activities (even if they’re part of a daily routine).
Doesn’t know how to fit in
Your child doesn’t know how to enter a group conversation and stands off to the side.
Your child gets told by other kids that what's being shared is “TMI.”
Your child shows off or clowns around in class in order to get noticed.
The issue: Kids with ADHD often have trouble judging other kids’ reactions, which can lead to awkward social interactions.
Does things halfway
Your child writes three paragraphs of a five-paragraph essay.
Your child joins a club, but only shows up for a few meetings.
Your child is enthusiastic about an exciting long-term project but never turns in the final product.
The issue: Kids with ADHD often have difficulty following through and maintaining interest.
Doesn’t know how to get things done
Your child has trouble with long division and word problems even while knowing calculation facts.
Your child's book report is missing important details.
Your child’s science fair project is too simplistic and doesn’t follow the guidelines.
The issue: Kids with ADHD have difficulty with planning, breaking tasks into smaller steps and handling multi-step activities.
Key takeaways
Learn the next steps to take if you think your child might have ADHD.
If your child was recently diagnosed with ADHD, find out what to do next.