College is a time of significant transition and growth. Increased academic pressures, adjusting to living away from home, and navigating a new social scene can all impact student mental health.

In a 2023 survey of more than 90,000 students across 133 U.S. campuses, 44% reported symptoms of depression, while 37% said they experienced anxiety. 

With today’s college students being increasingly open to seeking treatment for mental health, it’s helpful to remind staff what they can do to meet them halfway when it comes to support.

Common college stressors

College students — especially those just starting out — navigate many day-to-day challenges that could cause stress.

“College is a huge transition. For many, it is their first time living away from parents. The simple fact that it is such a big transition can bring up adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, etc.,” says Amy Marschall, Psy.D. “Additionally, college age (18-22) is an age where some mental health issues tend to emerge, such as mood or psychotic disorders, so it is possible that these symptoms will arise at this time, leading to asking for support.” 

Academic pressure – Balancing multiple classes, long reading lists, essays, labs, and group projects can feel like a full-time job (because it is). Add in the pressure to maintain a high GPA, qualify for scholarships, or get into grad school, and it’s easy for students to feel like they’re always playing catch-up. 

Finding a tribe – College can be equal parts exhilarating and isolating. Students sometimes struggle to make new friends, deal with less-than-ideal living situations, and experience bouts of homesickness. All of these can weigh heavily on their mental health.

Social media – Students are constantly encountering the curated social feeds of their peers and comparing it to their own lives. “Other people’s social media presence is often airbrushed and perfected, and we run the risk of comparing their “director’s cut” to our own behind-the-scenes footage,” says Marschall.

Uncertainty about the future – “What am I doing with my life?” is a question that most students ask themselves at some point. Career doubts, impending changes, or fear of the “real world” after graduation can all lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

Signs students might need support

Feeling stressed or down at points during college is inevitable, but when students start to exhibit signs that those feelings are becoming constant and interfering with daily life, it warrants closer attention. Here are some common symptoms that a student may be struggling.

Negative feelings – Sadness, anxiety, numbness, anger, and frustration — if someone feels any of those emotions consistently, it may be time to take a closer look.

Irregular sleeping – It’s not uncommon for college students to have a complicated relationship with sleep, but regularly sleeping too much (say, more than 10 hours a night) or too little can be signs of depression.

Changes in appetite – Skipping meals or eating for comfort can be signs of deeper issues that warrant paying attention to. 

Disinterest in activities – Opportunities for socialization abound in college and are an integral part of the experience (not to mention a great way to relieve stress). If a student becomes disinterested in pursuing them, that could signal deeper issues.

Where students seek help

The good news is that students have plenty of easily accessible resources to support their mental health.

On-campus resources – Colleges and universities have student health and wellness centers that offer free or low-cost counseling and mental health services. It’s crucial to make sure these resources are visible and easily accessible for students.

Peer support programs – Some students may feel more comfortable seeking support amongst their peers. Supporting those programs and encouraging participation in them lets students know they have another resource at their disposal.

Professors and advisors – Professors and advisors can be some of the first to notice an issue with a student. They may also be people who students feel comfortable confiding in. It’s important for them to be prepared and know where to direct students who may be in need of support.

Online mental health support – While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, today’s college students are open to trying telehealth options for mental health (and there are more resources available than ever before). 

Make space for mental health 

While mid-day naps and weekends relaxing with friends are a major part of the college experience, they aren’t a full substitute for mental health support. Encouraging wellness and self-care in college students only goes so far — it’s important to establish and foster support resources within the college system. 

“To be fully honest, I don’t like the emphasis on ‘embracing self-care’ to address mental health because a lot of stressors that negatively impact mental health are embedded in systemic issues,” says Marschall. “It puts responsibility for mental health struggles on individuals who are often in impossible situations to actually enact the strategies. It means we don’t have to look at how much work we are putting on these students and instead making it their fault that they cannot keep up with unrealistic expectations. We need to actually change the systems so that people can actually effectively enact self-care rather than blaming them for not having space to care for themselves in a world that is not designed for it.”

Sources:

The Mental Health Crisis on College Campuses

What Are the Warning Signs of Depression in College Students?

Survey: Students Turn to Loved Ones, Social Media First for Mental Health Help

Peer Support: A Student-Led Approach to Mental Wellbeing

Clinically reviewed by Amy Marschall, PsyD. Dr Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations and also provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online.

The college experience can be both exciting and overwhelming. Students are thrust into a world of new friends,  freedoms (and distractions), and academic expectations. 

For students living with ADHD, these conditions can bring unique challenges. The strategies you used in your K-12 education will still prove useful, but there are some college-specific tactics you’ll want to consider. From staying organized and building strong study habits to prioritizing self-care and making the most of accommodations, there’s no shortage of ways for students living with ADHD to survive (and thrive) in college.

Get organized

College life is inherently a bit chaotic. Assignments, pop quizzes, group projects, different class schedules on different days — not to mention the many opportunities to socialize. It can be easy for things to fall through the cracks for students with ADHD, so structure and organization are key:

• Put it on a calendar – Whether it’s an old-fashioned paper planner or an app on your phone, use whichever works best for you. If it’s important, it should go on the calendar. Use it to track all of your classes, due dates, and appointments in one easily accessible place. 
• Break up tasks – Don’t look at a research paper as one monolithic task. Instead, break it down into a series of smaller tasks to make it feel more manageable. Start with an outline, then a draft, then a second draft, and so on. “One bite at a time,” as the saying goes.
• Set reminders – Set recurring alarms or reminders on your phone to prompt you to head to class, notify you when a deadline is approaching, or even remind you to take a break and grab a snack.
• Show up – The temptation to skip a class can be strong, but so much of college success relies on showing up. Attend class regularly and be present. Bonus points for attending office hours and seeking out 1:1 time with your professors.

Find your study state

Those study techniques that worked in high school may require some refining for college. The most effective study methods are the ones that work for you — and the ones you’ll stick with. It might take a while to find your rhythm, so don’t be afraid to experiment to see how you learn best.

• Avoid cramming – Instead of a marathon study session the night before a test, aim for short, focused sessions of 25–30 minutes, followed by a 5‑minute break.
• Find the right environment – Whether it’s your dorm room, the library, a coffee shop, or a communal lounge, experiment to find where you study best and are least likely to be distracted. Headphones can also help block distractions.
• Try a study group or find a buddy – Group study can lead to deeper engagement and allows for peer-mediated checks on comprehension (as long as it doesn’t turn into a hangout).

Take care

It’s easy to burn the candle at both ends during college and let basic needs fall by the wayside, but it’s important to prioritize things like consistent sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise.

“Our brains will not be functioning well if our basic needs are not met,” says Anishia Denee, an ADHD coach and behavior analyst. “But these are often the first things to get dropped when people get busy and stressed.”

Something as simple as taking a walk between classes or during a study break can do wonders for your focus and mood.

Explore accommodations

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities — including ADHD. However, the responsibility of setting up those accommodations falls on the student. Previous IEP and 504 plans from your K-12 education do not automatically carry over to college.

The first step involves contacting the disabilities services office on campus. All colleges and universities have one. They’ll help you learn more about what kinds of services are offered and what steps you need to take to access them.

“Many of our young people don’t want to get support from that office,” says speaker and disability advocate LaDerick Horne. “They go to college thinking, ‘this is my chance to hit the reboot button on my personality and how everybody else perceives me.’ Some of you may, but the vast majority are going to need some help.” Horne adds, “There is nothing wrong with asking for help. So, at the very least, register with disability support.”

Common types of accommodations offered include: extra time for test-taking, note-talking assistance, permission to record lectures, and even priority registration.

You’ve got this

College is one of the most formative times of our lives, but finding your recipe for success takes work — especially for those living with ADHD. When things get overwhelming (which they inevitably will at times, ADHD or not), you can rest easy knowing the strong foundations and resources you’ve put in place will help you thrive.

Along the way, you’ll learn skills outside of what’s in your textbooks that will help you make the most of your experience — and beyond.

Sources:

How to Succeed in College with ADHD: Evidence-Based Strategies That Work – ADDitude Magazine

The College Survival Guide for Students with ADHD – ADDitude Magazine

7 Secrets to Studying Better with ADHD – ADDitude Magazine

Succeeding in College with ADHD – CHADD

Recommended Accommodations For College Students With ADHD – ADD.org

Your kids have been back in school for a few weeks now. They’re settling into routines, navigating class schedules, and gearing up for after-school activities. And they’re doing great. 

But how are you?

If you’re still battling anxiety, drowning in overwhelm, or struggling to achieve focus, you’re not alone. The back-to-school season, which many parents say lasts until early November, is just as stressful for parents as it is for students–if not more so. 

Why you might be feeling anxious or distracted

After a summer of loose schedules and lots of together-time, the uncertainty around the new season peaks for kids in the days leading up to the first day of school. Once they meet the teacher, see which friends are in their classes, and get used to the new routine, they’re on their way. But parents won’t meet the teacher for another few weeks or only briefly and often have little insight into the details of the day. Sitting at home or at work, wondering what is happening inside the school building, can create anxiety.

And that doesn’t even factor in modern worries about what happens in school, mountains of forms and papers to fill out and manage, new drop-off and pick-up routines to set up, and extracurricular schedules to keep track of.

What can parents do?

Fortunately, we’ve got tips for any parent experiencing ADHD, Anxiety, or both. These ideas can not only help you feel better but also help you create a calm home environment and set up your kids for success.

1. Uncover routines that worked

Take a moment to think through the routines you used last Fall or, even better, the ones you still had in the Spring. Just because we’re entering a new season doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch and create an entirely new rhythm. “Paying attention to your strengths, and thinking about what you did to be successful last year, can help continue those successes this year.” says Melanie Bieber, a licensed professional counselor and co-author of Aaron Daniel Henry Davis: Just Another Day at School, a resource book for children with ADHD and their parents. 

2. Ask for help

Whether your ADHD leaves you struggling against the influx of school forms or your anxiety makes morning drop-off a rough way to start the day for everyone, it’s always OK to ask for help. Talk with your partner or co-parent to see if you can better balance the work of this season. When each of you pick the tasks that play to your particular strengths, you’ll all feel better.

3. Focus on growth

In the midst of getting homework done, packing lunches, and keeping track of all the shoes, it’s normal to feel as though you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of caregiving. Which makes this a great time to continue reflecting back to last year. Your child is learning, growing, and becoming more independent–all the things you want as a parent. Noticing what they can do this year that they couldn’t last year is a powerful way to center yourself during this season.

4. Involve your kids in the organization

All that growth means a few things, not the least of which is that your kids can probably help out more this year than they did last year. If your ADHD makes it difficult for you to get everyone out of the house on time, empower your most time-aware kiddo to keep everyone on track. If your anxiety distracts you from asking to see forms that come home from school, create a place in the kitchen where each kid knows to leave their important papers.

5. Talk about it

If you take nothing else from these tips, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Your friends and siblings, parents of your kids’ friends and even teachers all feel elements of anxiety, distraction, and overwhelm at this time of year. Find someone who is in the same spot to talk to–sharing the experience can make it feel lighter.

6. Feel the feelings

The Fall season is a big time for you and your children. Trying to ignore that or downplay it will only make things worse. Build in some extra time to just sit with the feelings–even if it’s five minutes to get misty-eyed between drop off and your commute to work or a deep breath before you go in to pick them up. 

7. See the big picture

Yes, this is a busy time of year. The pressure to do it all, and do it all perfectly, is strong. But remember that the environment you create at home is more important than all the activities, forms, and homework sheets. In the bigger picture, knowing they will come home to a calm and attentive parent is more important for your kids than going to every practice or handing in every worksheet. 

It’s normal to feel like this season will never end when you’re right in the middle of it. But before you know it, everyone, even you, will have settled into the new season.

Whether it’s the first day of first grade or the first semester on campus, everyone has experienced that “back-to-school feeling” at some point. It may start as a mix of healthy anticipation and optimism for what lies ahead, but once you’ve bought that new backpack and picked out the first-day outfit, those familiar jitters might pop up. “I can’t wait to get back and see all my friends again” can quickly turn to “What if I don’t know anyone in my class?” or “How am I going to get through all of these books?”

For those experiencing symptoms of ADHD and/or anxiety, those emotions can feel magnified and overwhelming, threatening to set the new school year off on the wrong foot. What should be a time of optimism and hope can become a flood of uncertainty and agitation.

Fortunately, there are ways for students of all ages to address these challenges and thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Talk to the Teacher

Teachers can be some of the strongest allies when it comes to managing students’ ADHD and anxiety at school. School-aged children spend an estimated 25% of their time with adults other than their parents, like teachers or coaches. 

That’s a significant amount of time during an incredibly influential period, meaning, after parents, teachers are among those best-positioned to make a positive impact on a child who may be facing obstacles.

Try to reach out to your child’s teacher or your professors before the first day to build the foundation for your relationship before things pick up and the pressure of the new school year begins. This way, you’ve started things off with a great first impression of someone who wants to flourish and is proactive in addressing challenges. Regular check-ins and open communication will go a long way to ensure the partnership remains successful. 

Establish a Routine

Thoreau said: “Routine is a ground to stand on, a wall to retreat to; we cannot draw on our boots without bracing ourselves against it.” Routines are rooted in the familiar, and familiarity brings a sense of comfort and predictability, which is especially helpful for students navigating school with ADHD or anxiety. While the school day is built on routine, it’s before and after school where students benefit most from additional structure.

An established morning routine can provide an easy transition into the day and help build competence and independence. Completing some tasks the night before (picking out clothes, packing the backpack, preparing lunch) can make for even smoother sailing come morning.

Homework is the bedrock of most afternoon routines for students, which means opportunities to self-motivate through reward. Knowing that finishing homework is the only thing standing between video games or time with friends can add a much-needed spark to tackle the work without procrastination.

Explore Accommodations 

Beyond the steps you can take at home or with teachers, federal laws provide services and accommodations for students with disabilities such as ADHD or anxiety. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 both guarantee that students with disabilities receive equal access to education and school activities. If you or your child could benefit from accommodations under these laws, writing a letter of inquiry to the school’s principal is an excellent first step for exploring options.

Consider Treatment

It’s natural to experience anxiety or nervousness when starting something new. But if those feelings are getting in the way of making the most of this season of your life, think about exploring some sort of treatment, whether that be therapy, coaching, or medication. You might also consider taking a snapshot of your mental health to learn more about your challenges or getting an official diagnosis so that you can understand whether you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or both.

Embrace It

We only get so many school years, so approach the start of one as an opportunity to do what may seem obvious: learn. Yes, calculus, composition, and early U.S. history are all important, but perhaps most important is learning how to navigate adversity and excel in a way that works best for you.

Sources:

https://chadd.org/for-parents/tips-for-talking-to-teachers-about-adhd/

https://d393uh8gb46l22.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ADHD-School-Toolkit.pdf

https://www.effectiveschoolsolutions.com/daily-routine/

https://chadd.org/for-parents/educational-rights/

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 9, 2024 (Newswire.com) – As colleges and universities deal with budget constraints, Mentavi Health, which pioneered telehealth services through ADHD Online, is partnering with the institutions’ student health centers to provide mental health services and help all students succeed academically.
As mental health care becomes better understood, higher education institutions are facing a growing demand for mental health services from students with ADHD, anxiety, depression and other issues.

That increased demand comes when financial resources are more limited, forcing student health
services to outsource mental health assessments – often with wait times of six to nine months for inperson appointments.

That can mean students are unable to receive diagnoses and begin treatments until the next semester or even the next academic year, placing their academic success in jeopardy.
By working with Mentavi Health, colleges and universities have a way to connect students with timely and cost-effective diagnoses and treatments.

“We partner closely with the care team within the student health centers at our partner institutions. On many campuses, we are happy to complete assessments and render diagnoses and then refer students back to the colleges’ health services to develop proper treatment plans based on our findings,” said Tim Gutwald, Vice President of Business Outreach at Mentavi Health. “This way, the institution can maintain control over how medications are being prescribed and administered on campus, and the student can minimize their out-of-pocket costs for appropriate medical treatment.”

Working with Mentavi provides other benefits for both students and institutions.
Students with untreated ADHD are three times more likely to drop out before they graduate. Colleges understand that neurodiverse students contribute to the campus environment and can be incredibly
successful if given the proper support. As colleges seek to attract those students, Mentavi can help them provide the accommodations students need for success. Mentavi’s “Diagnostic Evaluation” is being
used by multiple colleges within their classroom accommodation process.
Mentavi’s expert assessments can be crucial for students’ health.
Students often exhibit symptoms that sound like ADHD but also sound like anxiety or depression. It requires a clinical expert to help
identify which of these highly related conditions is affecting a student, and a proper treatment plan must consider the source of the symptoms to be effective.

“A simple six-question survey that looks like it comes out of a magazine will not give a psychologist enough information to make this determination,” Gutwald said. “Our Diagnostic Evaluation is designed to draw out more details to ensure our psychologists can identify what conditions are involved. We want it to be simple and easy, but we think it should take longer to complete a mental health assessment than it takes to order a burrito online.”

Mentavi strikes a necessary balance with its clinician-designed Diagnostic Evaluation system: It is easy to complete, and Mentavi delivers results based on the sound clinical evaluation by its licensed psychologists in days instead of weeks or months.
Mentavi also helps students access mental health care by making assessments, diagnosis and treatment affordable.

“Traditional off-campus assessments may cost thousands of dollars, even after
any health insurance contributions,” Gutwald said.

“In general, the cost of our Diagnostic Evaluation is extremely competitive compared to the out-of pocket costs incurred by students who are covered by their school’s student health plans,” Landman said.

Mentavi also addressed many issues that colleges and universities struggle to manage. First, its
diagnoses for ADHD, anxiety, and depression stand up to clinical scrutiny, because they are evaluated by a licensed mental health professional and based on clinical frameworks.

Mentavi’s process also is developed with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) considerations, such as whether assessment language penalizes some populations, and whether the summary report and
communication consider the diverse backgrounds and specialized needs of the entire student population.

Universities’ athletic departments are using Mentavi’s Diagnostic Evaluation to document a valid diagnosis of a condition that may require a student-athlete to take a medication that could otherwise
disqualify them from competition under NCAA guidelines.

Colleges also are concerned about the introduction and proper use of certain prescription medications on campus. Mentavi’s assessments can reduce risks of medication diversion and improper use of prescribed substances.

“With Mentavi’s assessment, the institution can maintain control over how medications are being prescribed and administered, and the student can minimize their out-of-pocket costs for appropriate medical treatment,” Gutwald said. “Mentavi is proving to be an effective partner for higher education, both in holding down costs and in ensuring that all students have their best chance for success.”

For more information, visit https://mentavi.com.

About Mentavi Health and ADHD Online
Mentavi Health was launched as ADHD Online (adhdonline.com) in 2018 with the mission that everyone should have access to quality ADHD assessments from a licensed psychologist regardless of
who and where they are. As the reach has expanded to address diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment of ADHD and adjacent mental health conditions, ADHD Online is now a brand under Mentavi Health. The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation is offered nationwide, with treatment options available in 40 states.

Source: ADHD Online

About ADHD Online LLC
ADHD Online was founded in 2018 and filled with industry experts across the United States who all share the same passion for ADHD and making sure patients have access to critical mental health services.
https://adhdonline.com/ | Media Room

Company Address
ADHD Online LLC
625 Kenmoor AVE SE (STE 301)
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
United States

Original Source: www.newswire.com

College provided a new set of challenges for Indy and she introduced new ways to help her cope, like her rescue dog. After earning a BA in psychology, she started working in the mental health field at a group home where she was introduced to the idea that she might be neurodivergent. 

While only a year into it, Indy’s ADHD diagnosis has helped her embrace her wild, quirky, ambivert self and is giving her the confidence and understanding she needs to complete her master’s program for counseling.   

Listen in to hear more about Indy’s experience with ADHD, her passion for clinical mental health counseling and her hopes for the future when it comes to raising awareness for neurodiversity and its community of individuals. 

Refocused, Together is a collection of 31 stories told throughout the 31 days of October, a part of our commitment to ADHD Awareness Month. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single story this month! 

Now an 18-year-old college student, Christopher shares his ADHD experience and what he’s doing to prepare for the next chapter in life – living on his own for the first time while attending school roughly 1600 miles away from home. 

Refocused, Together is a collection of 31 stories told throughout the 31 days of October, a part of our commitment to ADHD Awareness Month. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single story this month! 

READ: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans for ADHD

Today, Britt teaches two research courses and promotes an inclusive classroom environment. She discloses to her students that she has combined type ADHD and encourages students to come to her with any accommodations they need. She’s also a mom to three children and together, they embrace ADHD as a family.

Tune in to hear about Britt’s experience, the obstacles Black women face getting a diagnosis and care later in life, and why it is more important than ever to create better spaces for neurodivergent students. 

Refocused, Together is a collection of 31 stories told throughout the 31 days of October, a part of our commitment to ADHD Awareness Month. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single story this month! 

Connect with Britt on Instagram here!

As a kid, Ian was labeled the ‘ADHD kid’ and even though his teachers observed some of ADHD traits, it wasn’t until years later when he was struggling in college that he sought out a diagnosis and then medication. Like so many with ADHD, Ian also struggled with some of ADHD’s comorbidities including depression and it was the sudden isolation of the pandemic, combined with stressors at work, that added fuel to his most recent bout of the mood disorder. 

This candid conversation is a reminder of all the different ways depression can show up in a person’s life and the power masking can have on a person’s life. For Ian, that masking was without a doubt his reliance on his sense of humor. He also shares how Cognitive-Behavior Therapy changed his life and what tools he continues to use to make sure he stays mindful and balanced. 

Oh, joy! Just when you’ve finally gotten the summer routine under control, it’s back-to-school time. If you are a parent with ADHD, no jury would convict you if you just hid under a bed somewhere for, oh, eight to ten months.

Never fear! You can do this with these tips to get the school year off on the right track.

• Start early

Don’t wait for school to start to begin figuring things out. “We think of school as beginning on the first actual day of classes,” says Melanie Bieber, a licensed professional counselor and director of Level Up Counseling & Consulting, a private mental health practice. “In reality, school starts one to three weeks before that first day. In order to have the doctor’s appointments completed, the items purchased and systems and routines ready, work has to be done before the school year starts.”

• Put on your own parachute first

The very first thing that parents must do is make sure that their own ADHD is well taken care of. Stay on your medication if you are on it; continue therapy of you are involved with it.

“Do everything you can to manage your ADHD symptoms,” says Terry Matlen, a Michigan-based psychotherapist who is also a parent with ADHD. “What can you do now to make it easier for you, so that you are capable of helping your child?”

If you child also has ADHD, check out some of our tips and recommendations for helping them get back to school.

• Ask yourself: What has worked in the past?

Don’t reinvent the wheel every year. “Reflect on what has worked and hasn’t worked in previous years,” says Bieber, who is also co-author of Aaron Daniel Henry Davis: Just Another Day at School, a resource book for children with ADHD and their parents. “Paying attention to your strengths, and thinking about what you did to be successful last year, can help continue those successes this year.”

• Get everyone’s sleep schedules back on track

Get everyone back to a normal sleep schedule — your kids and you. That may be hard since people with ADHD are notorious for being night owls. Start a few weeks ahead of school start. Each couple of days, roll bedtime back for everyone until you hit the sweet spot.

“Summertime usually means shortened sleep, but getting back into longer hours can really help parents access the executive functions that they’re going to need for all of the back to school transitions,” Bieber says.

• Reach out to your child’s teacher before school starts

Most staff are in school setting up in the weeks leading up to the first day. Make contact with the assigned teacher to see if there is anything you should know.

Matlen, who is the author of The Queen of Distraction, says you don’t have to disclose your diagnosis but you can say something like: “’I’m a fairly disorganized person, and I want to be on top of things when my child starts school. What would be the best way that we can communicate so you can help me be the best parent I can be? Would you be willing to email me when important papers are coming home or a project is coming up?'”

“It doesn’t always work because not every teacher will agree, but try at the start to communicate that you want to be a partner in your child’s education to make everyone’s lives easier and more productive,” Matlen says.

• Engage your partner

Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming for the parent with ADHD to manage it all.

“Appeal to your partner in trading off responsibilities,” Matlen says. “Such as if they handle the morning routine, you’ll deal with the nighttime routine, and so forth. If you don’t have a partner, reach out to a good friend, family member, fellow class parent, or sympathetic administrator, and see if they can help you keep track of forms, trip dates, assignments, etc.”

Are you a father with ADHD? Check out some tips especially for you.

• Set up a large erase board in your home

Put up a large dry erase board in a central area in your home. Create a grid on it, separated by date and child. Use a different color for each child. Enter in — or, if they are old enough, ask your child to enter — what needs to be handed in by when. And when extracurriculars are happening. “Any kind of visual cue is really helpful for people with ADHD,” says Matlen.

• Establish a central home base

Near the dry erase board, set up a landing space for all backpacks, lunch boxes, equipment and so forth. Give each child a large basket where they can toss all of their items the minute they get home. Set up another basket for all papers that need to be signed, which you can easily check in the evening.

• Use technology

Program your computer or mobile calendar to alert you when due dates are coming. Set several alarms for when you have to go pick up your kids at school. Text or email reminders to yourself. Or go old-school, and leave Post-It notes all over the house — kitchen, bathroom mirror, computer screen and anywhere else that might help.

• Streamline back-to-school shopping

Shop online as much as possible to reduce aggravation. Some schools’ websites have a list of back-to-school needs with links to online retailers. Some have even arranged that the deliveries go directly to the school.

• Prep what you can the night before

Since people with ADHD tend not to be great in the mornings, do what you can the night before school to streamline the morning chaos. Pack lunches, lay out clothes, make sure homework is in backpacks, and the like.“Most parents are trying to get out the door for work as well as get the kids off,” Matlen says. “It can be a very difficult scenario. Anything you can do to make less work in the morning is a plus.”

• Acknowledge your feelings

Many parents who have an ADHD diagnosis may have had a hard time in school — so this time of year can be really triggering. Bieber urges parents to journal, or talk with another adult about their thoughts and experiences.

“This can help you be more available to support your own children in having a positive experience,” Bieber says.Also, when you are stressed and worried, it’s much more difficult to access executive function and be productive.“By talking or journaling, we are reducing stress and creating space to focus on all of the organizational tasks that are so incredibly important for getting back to school,” she says.Most of all, be nice to yourself. No one gets it 100% right, all of the time. You and your family are all in this together, and together you will all muddle through the best you can. No one can ask for more.