The Impact of ADHD on Academic Performance and How Pediatricians Can Help

You just received an ADHD diagnosis for your school-aged child. Now, what will happen regarding their education? Dr. Elizabeth Wollensak and Dr. Jeffrey Cabotaje of Pediatrics Unlimited, located in Oak Park, IL, understand the need for a successful ADHD treatment plan for your child’s education regarding their specific diagnosis.

What Is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

ADHD is a widespread neurological disorder that causes your child’s brain to interrupt its thought pattern, making your child change what they were doing at that moment. ADHD is treatable with behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of the two, depending on the type and severity of your child’s diagnosis.

There are four different types of ADHD:

• Inattentive type
• Impulsive hyperactivity type
• Combination type
• Unspecified type - Your child has signs of ADHD but doesn’t fit in any kind. Depending on the type, the school modifies your child’s educational plan to meet their academic needs.  

Maximum Educational Benefits

You must meet with your child’s teacher, who can help introduce you to the Special Education staff at your child’s school.

To treat ADHD in Oak Park, IL, a pediatrician should explain to the Special Education staff that they can assess your child for a 504 plan or an IEP as part of their ADHD treatment. You can personally ask for these assessments in writing.

A 504 plan aims to change your child's classroom's learning environment (within reasonable limits) to promote learning. This plan enables the child to receive extended time for tests, preferential seating, or extra learning aids.

An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is like a 504 but provides additional services, such as speech or physical therapy, and any learning aids needed to keep your child focused on education.

Our pediatricians can provide copies of your child’s testing and medical diagnosis to the Special Education staff as needed. If your child is also on medication they need to take during school hours, the school office should be able to schedule a time for your child to leave their teacher’s room and take that medication through the school secretary or the school.

As you can see, your child’s ADHD diagnosis should not stop them from achieving success during the school year. Our doctors can provide any information your school may need regarding your child’s diagnosis.

Seeking ADHD Pediatricians? 

Call Dr. Wollensak and Dr. Cabotaje of Pediatrics Unlimited at (708) 383-3010 to discuss the first steps in your child's ADHD treatment and schedule your child’s appointment today.