Elementary & Middle School Students
What Is (ADD) ADHD?
Are you a dreamer? Would you like to jump on your desk in class and dance and shout? Most kids have moments when they'd rather daydream than do their homework or they'd rather jump on their desk than listen to their teacher. Kids with ADHD happen to feel that way more than most kids do.
(ADD) or ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a complicated way to describe someone who has trouble paying attention or sitting still. Having ADHD can make it hard to do certain things in your life.
- It can be hard to pay attention when someone is explaining something to you.
- You might have trouble remembering to bring your homework to school.
- You might find it difficult to let other people talk without interrupting them to say what you're thinking.
- It can be hard to sit still.
- Maybe people get mad at you sometimes because they say you forget things, or jump around too much, or don't listen well.
Does this sound like you? If you think you might have ADHD, talk to your parents or a teacher you trust. They can help you find someone who knows about ADHD and who can figure out if you have it.
If you already know you have ADHD, you've come to the right place! We have coaches to help kids like you.
What's an (ADD) ADHD Coach?
An ADHD coach is someone who helps kids with ADHD. An ADHD coach is not a doctor. A coach is more like a friend or a teacher but isn't those things either.
- Coaches talk with you and get to know you to figure out ways to help make things better for you.
- They can help you remember things and stay organized.
- They can remind you to pay attention and take care of yourself.
- Coaches can also help you find ways to get along better with the people in your life like your friends, classmates, and parents.
- Your coach is there to help you as long as you want.
The Edge Foundation is starting a program to train ADHD coaches and connect them with kids who need them. Right now we are studying how coaching can help college students. Our goal is to provide coaches for kids of all ages. So please check back soon to find out how we can help you too.
You've Got an Edge!
Yes, ADHD can be tough. Sometimes people don't understand you. Regular tasks, like homework, sometimes feel harder than they should. You probably have to work more than other people do in school, and you have to make an extra effort to get along with your family and friends.
Anyone who is different knows it is difficult. But being different can also be a good thing.
- Being different can show you things about life that most people can't see.
- It can make you more aware of how other people feel, which can help you understand other points of view.
- Having to work harder can also teach you to appreciate your accomplishments more and give you skills that you can use your whole life.
Being different and overcoming challenges are the surest paths to wisdom. And there is nothing more valuable than that.