Managing ADHD in a small group, social environment

By Jenn822 Friday, October 12, 2007

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I am a Girl Scout leader who currently has one girl with ADHD. We are in our second year with the same group and it has come to my attention that other girls in the troop have become very uncomfortable with the actions of the girl with ADHD. Their main problems are that this issue has taken so much attention away from the rest of the Girl Scouts and tasks that we are trying to accomplish. Some girls are so uncomfortable with this one child that they wish to not return for this year. My question is, how do we better take control of her needs without taking away from the group? And, is it too much to ask that one of her parents be at every meeting or is that something that shouldn't be asked?

Thank you,

Jenn

(Concerned Girl Scout Leader)

Comments (5) | Add comment

Rhonda

10/14/07 6:40pm

I can imagine how difficult it is. One reason my son isnt in boyscouts is that I know his adhd medicine is out of his system and dont feel he would be able to control his behavior as well as needed. I would mention her behavior to her parents. You dont say how old she is but all children have consequences for their behavior. Maybe she could take some kind of prn (as needed) medicine to attend girl scouts so it will be a positve experience for her. I know kids with adhd suffer from poor self esteem and she is probably feeling everyones frustration. Also maybe she could have some kind of responsibility in the troop but I would definately mention her behavior to the parents. Good luck.

10/16/07 10:05am

I think you should definitely address the topic with her parents. I'm assuming you know that she has ADHD because they told you so they are familiar with her behavior. You can bring it up and mention that there are occasions when her bahvior is disruptive and you are not familiar with how to handle it and you would like some guidance from one of them would they be able to stay at the meetings to show you some strategies to help you out. Parenting or hadling an ADHD child is different. I ave one of both and I would never expect a parent of a non-ADHD child to know what to do with my ADHD child. It's definitely not fair to the other girls, but as the other poster said, self-esteem is a huge deal so be sure to watch for teasing from the other girls. But at the same time, don't allow the ADHD girl to use it as an excuse for her behavior, she just needs to learn other strateies to control herself.

Jenn822

10/16/07 10:23am

Thanks for your input. It's very important that I hear from other parents of children with ADHD. I don't in any way want to offend the parents but I also want to get a handle on this situation, move forward from this, and not make it the center of attention for our group. It makes me feel better about asking the parents for help.

The parents of this child never sat down with us and gave us any tips on handling the situation or even warning us of her ADHD. We only found out after reading her medical forms that were to be filled out upon signing up for Girl Scouts.

I just want to make sure that we handle this in the most comfortable way possible for everyone involved.

Thanks again!

Jenn

Jen

10/16/07 8:18pm

Hi Jenn,

My son is 7 and has ADHD, he is in scouts and my husband is the den leader. I will attend / participate when there is a complex or large event, to help out. Last year (when he wasn't the den leader) one or both of us was always present at meetings and/or events. There is another boy in our group who has ADHD and one of his parents is always present even when offered a drop off. I think the parent needs to take responsibility for this. In our pack, we do a lot of our communication via e-mail. If you could send an e-mail to the parents that might save you an uncomfortable encounter... Let them know you were reviewing the paperwork and saw the info... I think it is acceptable and appropriate for you to request that one of the parents attend/help out at meetings. Good luck!

annie

10/21/07 8:52pm

Jenn,

I am a high school teacher. I have been diagnosed with ADD (inattentive type) and have students with symptoms--diagnosed and undiagnosed, medicated and unmedicated. I can empathize with you.

My first suggestion is to have her engaged physically. She could hand out and collect things. She can hold up some kind of illustration if you need to explain something to the group. Have her help gather materials if her attention ceases to be focused on a task. Is she old enough to prepare a demonstration of something for the group?

She may have a problem transitioning from one thing to another. Explain your plans for the next meeting to her parents; they should then explain your plans and expectations to her in advance. If you are planning a particularly invloved project, one of her parents should attend the meeting. If her behavior becomes disrruptive be clear that she will have to leave.

Is this child in a regular classroom situation in school, or is she in a self-contained class with a special ed teacher?

We all cope with situations differently and learn in our own way. Do not allow disrruptive behavior, you won't be helping her. Helping her cope will take a tremendous amount of planning and patience; however, you do have others to consider.

Good luck.

Managing ADHD in a small group, social environment

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