It's easy to fall into the trap of the public versus private school debate when researching schools for a child with ADHD. But just as there's no such thing as the "best natural treatment" for ADHD, there isn't a "best type of school" for kids with the disorder. The school that works well for one child for ADHD might not do the same wonders for your child. When searching for schools, look at your child's symptoms and look at what each individual institution can offer. Each school has its own pros and cons, in the same way that each ADHD child has a unique set of symptoms. Depending on where you live, both types of schools can benefit ADHD kids in different ways.
Benefits of public schools
Public schools can be great for ADHD kids in several ways. First, your child won't have to take a grueling test to get admitted into the school, nor will he or she go through a rigorous admissions process that could call attention to the disorder. Schoolwork is usually less demanding, and homework tends to be light. And if you live in the United States, the law mandates that public schools must do everything they can to make sure each child excels. You can even apply for an individualized education program (IEP) that will provide your child with special accommodations to help him or her succeed. Last but not the least, public schools are free.
Benefits of private schools
Many parents prefer sending ADHD kids to private schools because of the intimate class sizes, where each student receives lots of individualized attention from the teacher. If your ADHD child is bright and easily bored, he or she can benefit from a private school's more challenging curriculum. In addition, there are private schools that provide after-school classes designed to help kids with ADHD, such as speech therapy or tutoring sessions. Of course, it won't make any sense to bring your child to a private school that doesn't know how to handle children with special needs.
Homeschooling is a great alternative
Have public and private schools failed your child? Try homeschooling instead. There are many homeschooling plans designed to suit different learning styles, not to mention that there are products specifically designed for ADHD kids. Homeschooling brings many advantages - no mad dash to get to school, a curriculum that accommodates your child's weaknesses and strengths, and plenty of opportunities for your child to move throughout the day.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.