It’s back-to-school time! Children who have Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, often need help from parents and teachers navigating the school system, says Dr. Caroline DiBattisto, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center.

“With a little extra effort, kids with ADHD can enjoy and make the most of the school year,” says Dr. DiBattisto.

Kids with ADHD display three main symptoms:

• Inattention. “they have difficulty focusing on one thing at a time,” explains dr. diBattisto. “they might not be able to follow a bedtime story, have problems organizing schoolwork or following instructions, and lose things. Parents often say they have to repeat things, that their child is daydreaming or not catching on.”
• Hyperactivity. “Children with ADHD are fidgety, getting up from their desks, talking too much, constantly moving,” says dr. diBattisto. “they have trouble sitting still or playing quietly.”
• Impulsivity. “this includes responding before a question is fully asked, having difficulty waiting their turn, being inpatient, acting without thinking.”

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