By Deborah Phelps
age 9, and a school educator and principal for over 30 years, I am familiar with the
concerns a new school year can bring to parents of children with ADHD. Even as I watch
Michael prepare to compete in Beijing for this year’s Olympics, I can recall how his
ADHD posed challenges when the new school year began.
With adequate preparation, going back to school can be an exciting and positive
experience for children with ADHD. It's important to build a support team and begin a
dialogue with your child and his/her teachers to create a platform for success – before
your child even walks through the classroom door. Throughout the school year, I
recommend communicating frequently with teachers, encouraging social interaction and
working with healthcare professionals to encourage your child’s continued success.
Following are some tips to help you “make the grade” at the start of – and during – the
new school year:
Create an Environment for Learning
Teachers play an integral role in the development and performance of their students.
Reach out to teachers before the new school year to discuss how to work together to create an optimal classroom environment.
areas in which their child excels, or skills that could be improved with extra attention.
Questions you may want to ask teachers include:
• Is there a place in the classroom where my child can sit to minimize distractions?
• Can we set up a system for frequent communication and feedback on my child's
performance outside of the usual report cards and parent-teacher conferences?
• How can we get important notes and long-term assignment sheets sent to us
directly?
• Can my child have a textbook in which he/she can highlight important facts and
information directly in the book?
• Do you recommend a specific assignment book for your class?
Teachers have a wonderful opportunity to observe and provide feedback on the behavior
and progress of your child, so it's important to stay in regular contact with them.
Make sure to set up regular meetings or establish another means of communication for
updates and feedback, such as e-mail or a notebook that can go back and forth from
home to school.
Encourage Strong Social Relationships
As you may already know, making friends can be difficult even without the challenges
that come with ADHD. Parents can usually see the impact ADHD has on their child's
academic development, but the condition can also affect a child’s ability to make and
maintain strong social relationships.
Friendships are essential in establishing and building confidence, so do not overlook the
importance of encouraging your children with ADHD to socialize with children who have
similar interests.
There are many ways to help children with ADHD foster new and old friendships. Be
creative – find opportunities for social interaction at school and beyond. Many children
with ADHD play better with younger children; while some exhibit more appropriate
behavior when playing with older children who can be role models.
We found that Michael excelled when he was challenged in an athletic setting. Explore
what may be offered in volunteer organizations, community clubs or sports programs. If
parents are able to be part of these activities, even better; it provides you with an
opportunity for observing your child’s behavior and progress.
Consult Your Healthcare Professional
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, behavioral modifications combined
with medication management may help your child with ADHD increase his/her attention
span, improve focus and decrease distractibility in and out of the classroom.
It’s important for parents to visit with their child’s healthcare professional prior to the start
of a new school year to discuss their treatment and identify if dosage adjustments may
be needed.
ADHD Doesn't Stop at the Classroom
In addition to medication, parents can help their children with ADHD by establishing
structure in their afternoon and evening routines. Help children with ADHD complete
their homework more efficiently by creating a distraction-free study environment, and
schedule a regular time for them to complete their assignments each day.
Also, parents can make sure that their children have healthy snacks available before
beginning their afternoon routine and encourage them to take breaks from assignments
that require extended concentration to help reinvigorate them for their next project.
Engage younger children with ADHD by asking for their help with creating a tasty predinner
treat, which can teach them how to follow directions and build new skills.
It's imperative to remember that the need for ADHD symptom management doesn't stop
when class is dismissed. Behavioral modifications combined with medication may helpmanage your child's ADHD symptoms throughout the entire day.
Thanks for sharing this luvmykids! Great post
I forced myself to stay awake and watch him beat the gold medal record last night (even though I start work at an ungodly early hour on the East coast!)
You have always been an inspiration to me on these posts. Thank you for the wonderful information.
Homeschooling Jon has been off the charts in terms of satisfaction, learning and positive self esteem both for my children and myself.
I also have an older son who has Asbergers. Several years ago he won the World Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament. Yet he still has many issues that he needs to work on. BTW- Jon LOVES to watch swimming and diving. We went to all the meets when we lived in Gainesville.
Thank you again for the advice and inspiration you give to all of us!
Randy
These stories are very encouraging and it just goes to show you that with loving and caring moms like yourselves, all things are possible and there is a light at the end of the tunnel
I love it! Hope you get many readers of this post. That was great advice from an educator and mom with a wonderful and refreshing boost heading into the beginning of a new school year. hanginindere wrote:
I love it! Hope you get many readers of this post.
Me too! The fact that the very best swimmer in the world has ADHD tells us how exceptional our children really are when their potential is unlocked
WOW! What a GREAT post it was just what I needed to hear tonight!My son starts kindergarten tomorrow and I have a meeting with the Principal, guidance counselor and teacher tomorrow and had a list but will now add your list to it! Thanks for sharing. You and your son are an inspiration to us all .
You give hope to this Mom that is trying to help her little guy be the best that he can be!
You must be so very proud!! I know I am
Thanks for pssting this!
Ok so this post made me tear up. I love Michael Phelps, and I wasn't aware that he had ADHD. This post gives me so much hope for my son. In a world where ADHD is such a negative thing, to hear that the most decorated olympian in the world has it, and has suceeded beyond anyone's wildest imagination gives me tremendous hope.
Thank you for posting this. =)
WOW this was a great piece to read before going to bed. How powerful this would be for all parents and children dealing with ADHD to read. Thanks for sharing.I didn't realize Michael Phelps has ADHD. What a wonderful role model! Does anyone know what, if anything, he does to control the ADHD?[QUOTE=Mom2ADHDboy]I didn't realize Michael Phelps has ADHD. What a wonderful role model! Does anyone know what, if anything, he does to control the ADHD?[/QUOTE]
His mom mentions medication along with behavior modfication to manage the symptoms of ADHD effectively so I'm assuming that medication played a major role in the life of Michael Phelps.
I found something online that said that Michael Phelps took Ritalin as a child. It kinda implied that he no longer takes it, but it wasn't clearly stated.While reading this great article I kept thinking that it is that hyperfocusing that helps! ADHD people can hyperfocus on things, and his is obviously on swimming fast and winning. I think that says alot, besides that he is obviously MADE for swimming.What a wonderful article and a positive statement for us to read. Thanks for posting that.
I read that he was diagnosed at 9, started taking meds then but then controlled himself without meds by the age of 11.
Hi,
I read that he requested that he stop taking medication because he didn't like going to the nurse for the afternoon dose. Now with the longer acting doses I wonder if he would have stopped. Also, has anyone read what kind of student he was?? I would be curious if the lack of a stimulant affected his abilty to learn and therefore was an average or struggling student without the stimulant. He might have learned to control himself as he matured but still struggled with the learning component of his education. Many children just coast through school. Just curious.
I've read several articles on Michael and his mom. He did start taking ritalinat 9 but only took it for 2 years. He asked to stop taking it at 11 years old
and his mom said she didn't know if it was the right decision but she did
listen to him. It appears he did still struggle in school as well as socially.
Apparently he was teased and bullied around those middle school years. It
seems to me that Michael has had to overcome a lot to get where he is.
Good for him! This young man put a real postive spin on ADHD because it is a gift if one knows how to use it and now the entire world knows that
I saw an interview on television today of Michael and his mom and Michael went on to talk about the many struggles he had in school due to the bullying and being made fun of all the time. This story is all too familair to us parents. However, his mom said his love for swimming kept him within the perimeters and as a result of that Michael perservered. Michael won the individual gold medal as well
Excellent and very motivating story.I just sat down with Brandon(10) and showed him an article on Michael. He is so inspired by this story as am I. Thanks to Michael who will more than likely continue be a huge inspiration for these children and their parents!Thank you so much for posting this. My son has been watching the Olympics and he was so in to Phelps. He was very interested when I told him that Phelps has ADHD too. I think it is good for him to see grown ups with ADHD.More from Deborah Phelps........
Q&A with Deborah Phelps, Mom of Swimmer Michael Phelps
ADHD spokesperson Deborah Phelps talks about Michael’s childhood and the road to Beijing
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michael and deborah phelps
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A. Michael was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9, so I wanted to share our story with moms across the country. It was quite exciting to be in Baltimore, and talk to a mom in California via podcast. This Facebook community is a great way for moms to connect with each other.
Q. Every child with ADHD is different. Before Michael was diagnosed, what kind of behaviors did he show?
A. He was always full of energy. He’d talk constantly, and ask questions nonstop. He also had trouble focusing in school, and his teachers said they couldn’t get him to interact during learning time. He was always pushing, nudging, shoving, and fidgeting. It was hard for him to listen unless it was something that really captivated his attention, so you can imagine what bedtime was like!
Q. What kind of treatment worked for him?
A. Michael’s doctor prescribed a stimulant medication. He only took it Monday through Friday, though — no weekends, no vacations, no holidays. I knew he’d benefit from the medication at school.
Q. Do you have any tips for moms who have kids with ADHD?
A. Make a task list. With Michael, there were always certain things that he knew he needed to do before going to swim practice or playing outside with friends. I posted a task list on the refrigerator, and gave him stickers when he completed his responsibilities. It was a fun way to help him focus and get him out the door.
Q. Did swimming help Michael cope with ADHD?
A. It did help. Swimmers have to develop good time management when they’re juggling school work and hours of practice. The pool itself helped Michael, too. ADHD children need parameters. There’s nothing better for that than two lane lines! Even if Michael’s mind was all over the place, he could focus on going up and down the pool. Plus, water itself has a calming, soothing effect. I think the pool became a safe haven where he could release his energy. But it’s not just swimming that helped Michael; it was finding his passion and channeling his energy in that direction.
Q. So let’s talk Beijing. Is the whole family going?
A. We are all going to China, including Michael’s two older sisters Whitney and Hilary, as well as their families. We’ll all be there to cheer him on.
Q. Do you have recipes that are Michael’s prerace favorites?
A. When he was growing up, I’d make pasta. Nothing out of the ordinary. But to be honest, I’m no cook. If I’m throwing a party, we’re catering it!
Q. True or False: Michael still gets excited when he hears his name on SportsCenter.
A. That is absolutely true! The other night he called to tell me he was the second story on SportsCenter. He was beside himself. Michael always wanted to bring celebrity to swimming.
Q. And he is a full-fledged celebrity. This summer, Michael appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and Men’s Journal. How does he stay grounded?
A. Michael is very grounded, and I think coming home really helps. We’re a close family. And growing up, he had to deal with a lot of teasing and tormenting from other kids his age. He was so tall and elongated that his hands were below his knees. He had a hard time going through that, but I think overcoming it helped him become the grounded person he is today.
Q. Kids across the country admire your son. What’s it like when he comes home?
A. There are seven children who live across the street, and they’re always so excited to see him. One time, Michael needed a belt for a function happening in town, so I told him to go next door to borrow one. All the kids started arguing over whose belt Michael would wear. It was so cute!
Q. For the past several years, Michael been living in Ann Arbor, where he went to college. Do you talk to him a lot on the phone?
A. Typically we don’t talk — we text. I can have a full conversation with Michael when texting, and it’s not quite the same story on the phone. But I still try to talk to him every 10 days or so. He has a very demanding schedule.
Q. What’s next for Michael post-Olympics?
A. He’s moving back home to Baltimore. The other day, Michael told me he bought a condo on the water. I can’t wait to have him here. I’ve missed him these past four years. And I think he’s ready. Sometimes I can tell he gets a yearning for home. There are times when both of his sisters and I will get a text message from him at the exact same time.
Nice to see a happy story. Something to think about when all you read and hear about is the higher rate of alcoholism and drug abuse with the ADHD population. I try my best to give my daughter everything she needs to follow her passion of creating art. This will reinforce my resolve to buy everything off the shelves at Michael's arts and crafts.
Did she ever medicate Michael Phelps? I have not read anything about thator how she feels about meds.... just wondering.I read that she medicated him during the weekday during the school year but not on the weekends or during the summer.
All I can say is like everyone else, thank you so much for sharing your insights. It HAS been wonderful too read this after a tough, discouraging day of repeating myself, and tasks that should be done. Before going to bed, I will go kiss my wonderful son goodnight and tell him how much he is adored.
I read this somewhere and I thought it was great:
"try to see your child as a seed that came in a pcket without a label. your job is to provide the right environment and nutrients and to pull the weeds. you can't decide what kind of flower you'll get or in which season it will bloom."
I really enjoyed reading this information and will share it with my son. We, as like all families struggling with ADHD, are trying to make sure that our son reaches his full potential and realizes that ADHD can't hold him back if he wants something bad enough. I will be checking out ADHD Moms on-line for sure!
Stay strong everyone!
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