Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  ADHD: Helping your child get the most out of school

Why? - Why the action is important? Why should you help your child be successful in school?

Inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity can interfere with the ability to learn and participate appropriately in classroom activities. The child with ADHD who does poorly in school has an increased risk for:

  • Poor or failing grades. If the symptoms are not treated, a child may lose interest in school and drop out.
  • Behavior problems such as school phobia or a conduct disorder.
  • Risky, antisocial, or criminal behaviors.
  • Alcohol and drug use.

Poor school performance can harm a child's self-esteem, which affects personal, family, and social life. People with low self-esteem feel that they do not belong, that they cannot learn and accomplish things, and that they do not have anything to contribute. They lack confidence in their abilities to be successful in life.

Test Your Knowledge

  1. If a child with ADHD is successful in school, he or she is more likely to have or to do which of the following?

    1. Low self-esteem
    2. Confidence
    3. Participate in antisocial or criminal behavior
    4. Develop behavior problems

Continue to How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can you help your child be successful in school?
Return to Click here to view an Actionset. ADHD: Helping your child get the most out of school



Author: Jeannette CurtisLast Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Mina Dulcan, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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