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ADHD

What is a School's Responsibility?

By Julia Rosen

"Advocates can be very effective because they understand the legal machinery, and they can remain calm and objective, which can be more effective than parents who are upset and stressed over their child's situation," Matlen says. The cost varies depending on the advocate's experience and professional background.

In a worst case scenario, you can seek legal counsel.

Metz's experience with his son's school quickly developed into a legal issue. "A private psychologist, who we hired ourselves, demanded testing be done without delay," he says. "We had to threaten the school with a lawsuit before they complied."

For students to assume more responsibility for themselves, they need to understand the nature of their condition. This is especially important as a child leaves middle school and enters high school. Help your child to learn about his or her disability and teach your child how to explain his or her required learning style and needs to teachers. Supply your support wherever possible.

"[A child] may need to work with the school guidance counselor to help her get over some of the emotional baggage she's acquired from her failures of the past," Schultz says.

The counselor can help your child understand ADHD and its impact on learning. Support at this time can teach children how to be an advocate for themselves, and empower them for lifelong independence.