What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in high school
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Bob Cunningham, EdM
High school isn’t just about academics. It’s also about learning to be self-sufficient and self-aware. Here are examples of ADHD symptoms your teen’s teacher may notice.
Keeps showing up late
Your child has trouble getting to school on time.
Your child misses the first few minutes of class after lunch period.
Your child is on probation with the sports team for being late to practice.
The issue: Kids with ADHD can have trouble keeping track of time.
Challenges authority
Your child corrects teachers during lectures.
Your child gets into trouble for not following the rules in class.
Your child is “fired” from a community service project for being rude.
The issue: Kids with ADHD often speak without taking into account who they’re speaking to.
Is unreliable
Your child forgets to come in after school for a tutoring session or to make up a test.
Your child misses assignments or hands in incomplete work.
Your child leaves fellow students to pitch in on a group project.
The issue: Kids with ADHD can have trouble getting organized and following through.
Doesn’t seem to listen
Your child appears not to be interested in what classmates are saying.
Your child loses the point of what’s being discussed in class.
Your child doesn’t participate in large group discussions.
The issue: Kids with ADHD often have trouble listening and following conversations.
Key takeaways
Find out the next steps to take if you think your teen might have ADHD.
If your teen was recently diagnosed with ADHD, learn what to do next.
Explore classroom accommodations that can help kids with ADHD.
