Revolutionizing education through healthcare in schools

Key points:

It's officially time to go back to school, where ideas are nurtured, knowledge and curiosity are developed, and lifelong friendships are forged. But for many students, school is also a place where the challenges of ADHD come to the fore. For parents and teachers, addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines thorough and appropriate testing, open communication, and proactivity.

A holistic approach to student health

The implementation of school-based health centers (SBHCs) is fostering a supportive environment for children with special needs, such as ADHD. Traditionally, health care and education entities have existed in separate settings. However, the recent global mental health crisis calls for a more interconnected approach. These centers have emerged as comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services hubs. The rise of SBHCs indicates movement in the right direction and acts as a bridge between educators and parents. This strategic partnership creates an environment conducive to learning and growth while fostering the potential of each child.

“SBHCs provide primary care and behavioral health services for Medicaid, uninsured, and occasionally privately insured students on school campuses across the country,” says Ashlea Johnson, LCSW at Summit Mental Health Services and clinical advisor at QB technology“The ability to collaborate with educators along with the family system is an incredible blessing for students.”

The collaborative nature of SBHCs allows clinicians to dig deeper into each student’s specific needs and create a customized curriculum that goes beyond medical checkups. For example, clinicians at one Colorado-based SBHC incorporate more technology, such as objective ADHD testing, to design effective accommodation plans. By leveraging technology-driven assessment tools, educators can tailor strategies that improve school performance and classroom behavior with peers.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve and embrace these changes, the impact ADHD can have in the classroom is also highlighted. From a parent’s perspective, these challenges can impact their child’s entire school experience, so having central healthcare centers equipped with better technology is crucial to student success.

How parents can help

ADHD has a profound impact on a child's education. Constant transitions, including changing classes to schedules and new routines, can compound the stress of an already overwhelmed child. Parents often find that their children struggle to focus in this ever-changing environment and wonder how to ease the burden.

Parents can play a key role in equipping their children with the right tools to successfully meet these challenges:

• Early planning and communication. Starting conversations ahead of time before the first day back can reduce anxiety ahead. Talking about teachers, routines, and new friends can prepare your child for what lies ahead.
• Role-playing game. Engaging in role-playing can boost your child's confidence in social situations. Parents can simulate conversations, which gives the child practical tools for making friends, talking to teachers, and more.
• A letter to teachers. Collaboration with teachers is essential. Writing a letter introducing your child, his or her adaptation needs, and his or her strengths and weaknesses due to ADHD can help familiarize the teacher and create a supportive classroom environment.
• Familiarization visits. A field trip to school or the classroom before the year starts can alleviate stressors and make the situation less intimidating.
• Establish a routine. Make sure you've established a consistent routine long before the school year starts, from bedtime to breakfast, to give your child a sense of stability when he or she returns home.
• Get a medical opinion. Find a doctor who is competent in ADHD. While it is common to start with a pediatrician or primary care provider, parents should look for a specialist who is experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD, including objective testing.

Finding the right accommodations can also be overwhelming due to different policies at individual schools and districts. For parents looking to obtain services for their children, it is critical to obtain an outside medical evaluation that recognizes ADHD as a medical condition to be used in conjunction with the school evaluation. Choosing a provider that offers comprehensive evaluations using both subjective and objective measurements and having that data to support the diagnosis can strengthen the case for accommodations and provide a clearer picture of the child’s needs.

It's worth noting that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Children typically have a deep understanding of the accommodations they need, whether it's getting out of the classroom for fresh air or having a quiet place to rest when they're feeling frustrated. Teachers who make simple adjustments to their classrooms (such as seating arrangements, stress balls, or even treadmills) can significantly impact a child's ability to focus and engage.

A look into the future

Looking ahead, the future of SBHCs looks bright, and the need for these places is likely to increase as schools recognize the synergy between emotional well-being and academic success. technology will also play a major role. Tools like objective ADHD assessments can improve classroom performance and behavior by being the cornerstone upon which diagnosis and treatment are based. Data-driven insights can empower educators and clinicians to design even more personalized plans, ensuring that each student receives what they need. This fusion of education and healthcare will continue to redefine student success, reshaping the educational landscape forever.