Going back to school can be difficult for many children after a long, unstructured summer of fun that includes late nights, sleeping in and hit-and-miss meals.

But for kids who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, returning to school can pose serious difficulties. That's why parents with children diagnosed with ADHD might want to start planning ahead before the fall semester starts.

Getting ready can involve setting up schedules and expectations to help the child prepare for success and feel good about the start of the school year.

Preparation is key to success

Dr. Michael Feld, who has a practice in child and adolescent psychiatry in Chicago, says ADHD is a biologically based behavioral disorder with symptoms that include impulsivity, inattention, poor concentration and over-activity.

These symptoms differ from those seen in children who aren't diagnosed as ADHD, because they are more frequent and severe than what is typically observed in those at a comparable development level.

"Kids who have ADHD have a pervasive struggle with their symptoms," says Feld, who notes that children diagnosed with ADHD also frequently have problems making friends, because some of the symptoms can be irritating to others and affect their social interactions.

They also have difficulty with transitions.

"That's why it's important for parents whose children have ADHD to start preparing them ahead of time for the transition to returning to school. It's important for them to start at the top of their game, so they don't get behind or develop problems early in the school semester," Feld says.

"It doesn't take long for children with ADHD to start struggling in a new environment. Beginning school is a huge transition time, and some parents don't understand that."

According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, approximately 7.8 percent of all school-age children -- about 4.4 million U.S. children between 4 and 17 -- have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives.

Feld recommends parents help with the transitioning from summer, which typically has fewer rules, into the new school year several weeks before school begins.

"I like to see patients before the new school year starts rather than once problems have emerged," Feld says.

"That way, if children are on medication we can take a look at it and see if it needs to be changed."

He also recommends parents remain in close contact with the student's teachers as soon as school begins to stop problems before they get out of control.

"It's very important to get ahead of this, because ADHD kids can fall behind very quickly," Feld says. "And once they're behind, it exacerbates all their problems."

Feld also mentions there is a new medication on the market for treating children diagnosed with ADHD. Vyvanse provides consistent ADHD symptom control for up to 12 hours, which Feld says is important as it encompasses not only time in school but also after-school homework time and family time.

"ADHD medications can help kids focus and stay focused," Feld says, "which helps them have a successful school experience.

"One of the most important things to remember is that children with ADHD can be successful, but we need to provide them with what they need to do so."

Strategies for getting ready for school

1. Changing the routine to get ready for school can be a real challenge for children diagnosed with ADHD. Start working toward a school bedtime and awakening time at least two weeks before school starts, so your child gets used to the routine and has time to get used to being up early and being mentally alert for school.

2. Create a list of expectations for the different parts of your child's day.

Put extra planning into the areas of concern from last year -- whether it's getting ready in the morning, getting homework done at the end of the day, making lunch the night before or whatever chores and responsibilities he or she will be required to do once school starts.

3. Make a daily schedule for your child that includes recess, lunchtime and any after-school activities. Post it on the fridge where your child can see it the night before and send it to school with them, so they know what is expected from them that day.

4. Remember that routines are important to all of us, but more so to students with ADHD.

Source: addadhdblog.com/category/adhd-school-strategies/