Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are disorders that can make many kids and preteens seem jumpy and inattentive. It's a good idea to tell your teacher, but sometimes it can be nerve wracking. Here's how to break the news to your teacher.

Steps

 * 1) Remember that you are not the only one with this disorder, and you are most likely not the first student that your teacher knows with ADHD, nor the last. Relax. Your teacher won't judge you for something that isn't your fault.  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 1.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 2) Decide when to tell your teacher. Some good times to tell him or her are: during lunch period (make sure he or she doesn't have another class at that time,) during advisory, before or after school, or after class. Just be sure to either have your teacher sign a late pass or be prepared to dash to your next class if you choose this.  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 3) Go up to your teacher and ask, "Hey, teacher, could I talk to you for a minute?"  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 4) If your teacher says yes, continue with, "I'm sorry if I've been goofing off too much in class or not paying attention. The thing is, I have ADHD."  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 4.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 5) Take the conversation from there, and remember to always be polite. Let the teacher know you are taking your medicine . (Unless you're not...then you should be!)  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 5.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 6) Thank your teacher once the conversation is done. For example, "Thanks for understanding. See you tomorrow!" Gather your supplies, smile politely, and go to your next class. [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 6.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 7) Congratulations! You have now successfully informed your teacher of your disorder.  [[Image:Tell Your Teacher You Have ADHD or ADD Step 7.jpg|center|550px]]

Tips

 * Have your parent send a letter or e-mail your teacher in addition you telling her in person, just in case she thought this was a scheme to get away with your reckless behavior.
 * Don't self-diagnose. Always speak to a doctor or psychologist and receive a formal diagnosis before informing teachers.
 * Promise your teacher you will try to improve your behavior and productivity in class. Just make sure that after you make the promise, keep your promise.

Warnings

 * Never say anything to your teacher that you would regret saying later on.

Related wikiHows

 * How to Cope With ADHD
 * How to Teach a Student With ADHD