What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in high school

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.