What I Wish My Teachers Knew When I Was a Student With Undiagnosed ADHD
by Alex Hey, Board Member and ADHD Coach at ResetADHD.com
A child I know who has ADHD started his first day of school. I hope he has a good year because I recall having many school years that were not good. There is much I wish my teachers knew about ADHD and didn't. Maybe this article will fill in some gaps and encourage parents to advocate for their children until they can advocate for themselves.
Teachers: Your Words and Actions Have Lasting Impact
I missed school the day we were taught our eight times table.
The teacher set the times tables to songs, and I still remember my 6 and 9 times tables because of those songs. However, I don't know my eight times table because I was absent the day we were taught the song for it. One day, the class was to sing the eight times table, and I couldn't sing along because I hadn't learned it. My teacher singled me out for not singing. I felt humiliated, believing I was deficient. I felt hopeless, and there was nothing I could do. My teacher didn't recognize that I didn't sing because I needed help.
I painfully remember all the times a teacher singled me out for not knowing something she thought I should.
ADHD students often are forgetful, but when our memories get tied to negative emotions, we never forget. We remember all the times we were hurt and humiliated.
I Was Trying
My report cards frequently said, "Alex needs to try harder."
I wish my teachers knew that I was trying, trying hard. I wish they knew that I was not unmotivated and wanted to be a good student and get good grades. However, my primary motivation during my school years was to avoid criticism and getting in trouble.
Did the pressure to perform cause me to be anxious and underachieve academically? It is possible.
It's Hard to Sit Still All Day
I have the inattentive type of ADHD, but like those with the hyperactive type of ADHD, it is hard for me to sit still.
Even as an adult, I frequently adjust my position when sitting for an extended time. I get restless during meals that take a long time. I need to get up and move. I happily remember a high school teacher who would randomly say, "Okay, stand up and stretch break!" At the time, I didn't realize how useful this was, but in hindsight, I know I benefitted from my stretch breaks.
It felt good to stop sitting in an uncomfortable chair and move.
I Have ADHD
I was not diagnosed with ADHD until I was 20. There were two decades when my ADHD was missed. If my teachers or parents had realized I had ADHD, I would have gotten better grades and had a fuller life. I could have gotten support.
ADHD Is More than the Stereotype
When most people think of ADHD, they think of hyperactive young boys who can't sit still and yell, "SQUIRREL!" every time they see a squirrel, but ADHD is more than that.
There is more to ADHD than you might believe. I don't point out squirrels every time I see one. The main reason I was not diagnosed as a child is that I have the inattentive type of ADHD, which features more internal symptoms which don't attract attention.
To learn more about inattentive ADHD, view the Child Questionnaire.
Teacher Training on ADHD Is Inadequate
ADHD is complex and unique to each person yet impacts almost 10% of children.
Teachers must help identify children in their classrooms with ADHD and learn strategies for assisting them to be good students. Many teachers report that their training never or only briefly mentioned ADHD. It cannot be understood with a brief overview.
It takes time and exposure to children with ADHD to truly "get it."
Watch our videos to learn more about children and adults with inattentive ADHD