In many parts of the world, October is known as a transition period, where people slowly prepare for the cold months ahead. As the seasons change and life continues to fly by, people may see this seasonal shift as an opportunity for reflection. October marks the start of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness month, where people share experiences and provide support for those with ADHD.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is a persistent and exhausting disorder that is known to impact the individual in almost all aspects of their life including school, work, relationships and daily functions. Whether it’s hyperactivity or just the inability to focus, people all around the world struggle with this disorder.
Oftentimes, ADHD can take over a student’s school life, making assignments look like a list of to-dos that seem impossible to complete. Scott Langenecker, a clinical neuropsychologist at The Ohio State University, shared what schools may do for students dealing with ADHD.
“There have been tremendous advances in how we support kids in school with ADHD. Oftentimes, we have different places where we have kids sit. So kids who are distractable, we might have them sit on the side of the room or in the front of the room. We might also have kids sit or be in smaller classrooms. We might offer tutoring. We might have aids within the classroom to help redirect those children. We may have different strategies for how these kids can take tests,” Langenecker said.
Upper Arlington High School students with ADHD have the same accommodations and are encouraged to ask for help if needed. Another helpful strategy, the Bear Pause room, is located on the second floor next to the College Center. It is designed as a space for relaxation and a break from the busy schedule of school. The Bear Pause room is used daily by students, but what about students with ADHD? UAHS school counselor, Allen Banks expressed his view of the Bear Pause room and its benefits.
“I think anxiety is a byproduct of ADHD at times. Kids get so frustrated when they can’t concentrate and then they start to feel inadequate. So when that anxiety kicks in, the Bear Pause is an awesome place to go to sort that out and get regulated to take on the day,” Banks said. This room can be used for students to reset and continue through the day with a clearer mind. Aside from the Bear Pause room and extra assistance, there are many different ways to deal with ADHD. Symptoms vary for each individual and it can be challenging to find ways to control these behaviors. Common things that are used for ADHD include medication, having a support network or modifications in work load. Helpful adjustments like these can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity in many individuals. Banks also noted that students are all unique in needs and challenges.
“All students are on some kind of spectrum. They all might have some attention issues and some of the less severe symptoms are dealt with within the classroom, what they call universal accommodations,” he said.
Universal accommodations are most commonly used in schools, creating a support system for all students. Extended time on tests and breaking large assignments down into small chunks are just two examples of resources available for everyone. While these resources are always accessible, it can still be a challenge for students to navigate the school days.
A sophomore student at UAHS with ADHD, Blaise Peterson, voiced how this disorder impacts him throughout the school year.
“It impacts me a lot and it really takes my focus off school. It’s hard for me to do my work when there’s a lot going on around me,” he said. “During a test I have to go to the testing center so I don’t get distracted.”
Simple things like moving locations for a test can improve concentration and overall understanding. These useful strategies are a part of an expanded effort to create support spaces for different learning needs and acknowledge how important the environment is for focus.
ADHD awareness month serves as a way to highlight the realities that many people struggle with on the daily. Providing focus on education, support and fitting resources contributes to the understanding of the things many students work through. Raising awareness is more than an occasion on a calendar – it’s a chance to learn and improve the outcomes for people of all ages with ADHD.
