You’ve learned so much about how to support your child since the ADHD diagnosis. Wouldn't it be easier if you didn't have to get new teachers every year?
You just figured out how to work effectively with the last one, and now your advocacy journey is starting again.
You might be feeling a bit anxious.
How will you tell the teacher everything they need to know to support your ADHD Student?
You don't want to be that parent who "overtalks" at meet the teacher night, but you want to be heard. So, what do you do?
Take a deep breath and remember these things:
Teachers learn more every year about how to support ADHD.
You and the teacher both want the same thing - your child to succeed.
You're going to communicate in a way that helps the teacher really HEAR YOU.
The average teacher learns a hundred new names and over a thousand pages of new curriculum and policy every year during "back to school."
Your child is important. But the system makes it impossible for teachers to remember everything you tell them the first time.
Effectively Communicate with School About Your ADHD Student's Needs
The best thing you can do is meter your info share: start by telling them just what they need to know first.
Plan on following back up in a few weeks, after school has started and they've had a chance to learn everyone's name.
The second meeting is better: the information you share is more likely to stick. The teacher has launched the year - with new names, seats, curriculum, school lunch codes, bell schedules, dismissal policies, and everything else.
Now, they know who your child is and have better context for what you're sharing.
By waiting just a few weeks, you are making sure they can more effectively absorb what you want them to know.
Positive Teacher Communication Supports Your ADHD Student
1. Start with a Quick Intro Whether it’s a friendly email, a note, or a short chat, a simple introduction to your child’s new teacher goes a long way. Kick off the school year on the right foot by getting in touch early.
Being brief and positive sets the tone and shows you’re an involved parent who’s ready to work together.
2. Keep It Constructive Avoid criticizing other staff or complaining about last year. Focus on the shared goal: your child’s success.
Most teachers want to see their students thrive. A solution-focused attitude makes a difference.
3. Respect the Teacher’s Time Find out how and when your teacher prefers to communicate. Maybe it’s a quick email or a message through the school’s app. The goal is to stay in touch without overwhelming them.
Teachers are juggling a lot, so keeping things simple and respecting their time shows you value their work.
4. Share the Wins, and Don't Forget to Celebrate: You know your child better than anyone. Share the tricks that help them shine, whether it’s a certain type of seating, using visual reminders, or anything else that makes their day smoother.
Instead of focusing on problems, highlight what’s been successful. This gives the teacher tools to help your child succeed right from the start.
To build successful habits with ADHD, celebrate small wins EVERY DAY. The goal isn't perfection, it's GROWTH.
5. Be Open to Tips Teachers spend a lot of time with your kid every day, and they might have some great insights. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on what you can do at home to help. This shows you’re open to teamwork and willing to support your child’s learning journey. Plus, you never know what they'll say - it could be just the next thing you need to unlock more "wins."
Bonus: Show Some Love Everyone likes to feel appreciated. A simple thank-you note or a kind word can go a long way in making a teacher’s day.
When teachers feel valued, they’re more motivated to keep going above and beyond for your child.
Don't be upset if you have to repeat yourself more than once. Do it with kindness and without apologizing: assume the best.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to communicate to your school about ADHD needs, what to share and when, grab my free, fillable info chart to help you organize your thoughts and handle conversations with confidence.