Grants For Kids With ADHD
The increase in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnoses over the past ten years can be attributed to better definition of the disorder and diagnostic techniques. However, the treatment is still uncertain and no cause or cure has yet been found. For families with children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD the burdens of care can be crushing.
ADHD medication is sometimes expensive, and specialist and therapy costs can eat up even a comfortable household income. And unfortunately some of the families that are hit the hardest with the ADHD burden are those who can least afford it.
Fortunately, there are some resources available that can offer financial relief to those families who qualify.
Help in the Classroom
Because ADHD has been designated as a learning disability your school system should be working with you on an individualized basis to provide the proper environment for your child. You should have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) developed and maintained with the cooperation of the school, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This may include special classes or one-on-one work with a teacher or counselor. And this should all be covered by the school's budget so it should not cost you anything out-of-pocket for these services.
Help for Tutoring
One of the main problems with an ADHD child is the child's lack of ability to focus in the classroom. This lack makes it particularly difficult to succeed in an educational environment. ADHD children are not stupid -- in fact often just the opposite. They just have trouble concentrating and maintaining information. Many parents are forced to turn to private tutors to help their child keep up with learning. But tutors can be very expensive.
You can may want to try asking at the tutoring facilities if they offer any special programs for lower-income or otherwise challenged or at-risk students, if your household qualifies.
Check with local organizations and with your school system to find out if funding is offered for tutoring, or if low- or no-cost tutors are available. You may require a teacher's recommendation as well as proof of financial need. There may also be a waiting list as funding is generally offered on a first-come basis. thus it's important to be sure to sign up as early as you possibly can.
Supplemental Security Income
If your ADHD child is diagnosed with a co-morbid physical impairment, as aproximately 50% of ADHD children are, then he or she may qualify for a monthly stipend from the Social Security Administration. This impairment can include mood and anxiety disorders, which are very common with ADHD children. Contact the Social Security Administration to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.
College Assistance
If your ADHD child makes it through the K-12 educational system successfully and wants to go on to college, you may find that there are not many grants and scholarships aimed specifically at him or her. However there are a number of scholarships dedicated to students with learning disabilities, and you should certainly be applying for every one that you can find. Check out Scholarship Information to see what may be available and where you should look for ADHD-specific assistance.
Also be sure to talk to your state's Department of Health and Human Services to get referrals to the Learning Disability organizations and foundations in your area. There may also be a Disabilities Department at the college or university your student wants to attend, or at a community college in your area.
Support and Advocacy Groups
Though such groups do not provide financial grants they are a valuable source of support and information about what financial help others have been able to find. You should do a local search for such groups near you. A few good places to start include ADHDAware is a non-profit that offers support specific to children and adolescents with ADHD and for their families. They also offer classes and workshops that help you understand ADHD diagnosis and successful treatment. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association also provides educational tele classes and can help you find a support group in your area. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a large national organization that also has local chapters you can find by searching CHADD and the name of your town or county. They offer strong social support that could be very enlightening and comforting as you deal with the challenges you face.
Conclusion
Many families with ADHD children may assume that their children will not go to college, either because they cannot afford it or because the child cannot handle the workload. With new treatments and medication for ADHD students are finding they can succeed and they should research every opportunity to do so.
The increase in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnoses over the past ten years can be attributed to better definition of the disorder and diagnostic techniques. However, the treatment is still uncertain and no cause or cure has yet been found. For families with children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD the burdens of care can be crushing.
ADHD medication is sometimes expensive, and specialist and therapy costs can eat up even a comfortable household income. And unfortunately some of the families that are hit the hardest with the ADHD burden are those who can least afford it.
Fortunately, there are some resources available that can offer financial relief to those families who qualify.
Help in the Classroom
Because ADHD has been designated as a learning disability your school system should be working with you on an individualized basis to provide the proper environment for your child. You should have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) developed and maintained with the cooperation of the school, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This may include special classes or one-on-one work with a teacher or counselor. And this should all be covered by the school's budget so it should not cost you anything out-of-pocket for these services.
Help for Tutoring
One of the main problems with an ADHD child is the child's lack of ability to focus in the classroom. This lack makes it particularly difficult to succeed in an educational environment. ADHD children are not stupid -- in fact often just the opposite. They just have trouble concentrating and maintaining information. Many parents are forced to turn to private tutors to help their child keep up with learning. But tutors can be very expensive.
You can may want to try asking at the tutoring facilities if they offer any special programs for lower-income or otherwise challenged or at-risk students, if your household qualifies.
Check with local organizations and with your school system to find out if funding is offered for tutoring, or if low- or no-cost tutors are available. You may require a teacher's recommendation as well as proof of financial need. There may also be a waiting list as funding is generally offered on a first-come basis. thus it's important to be sure to sign up as early as you possibly can.
Supplemental Security Income
If your ADHD child is diagnosed with a co-morbid physical impairment, as aproximately 50% of ADHD children are, then he or she may qualify for a monthly stipend from the Social Security Administration. This impairment can include mood and anxiety disorders, which are very common with ADHD children. Contact the Social Security Administration to see if you qualify and learn how to apply.
College Assistance
If your ADHD child makes it through the K-12 educational system successfully and wants to go on to college, you may find that there are not many grants and scholarships aimed specifically at him or her. However there are a number of scholarships dedicated to students with learning disabilities, and you should certainly be applying for every one that you can find. Check out Scholarship Information to see what may be available and where you should look for ADHD-specific assistance.
Also be sure to talk to your state's Department of Health and Human Services to get referrals to the Learning Disability organizations and foundations in your area. There may also be a Disabilities Department at the college or university your student wants to attend, or at a community college in your area.
Support and Advocacy Groups
Though such groups do not provide financial grants they are a valuable source of support and information about what financial help others have been able to find. You should do a local search for such groups near you. A few good places to start include ADHDAware is a non-profit that offers support specific to children and adolescents with ADHD and for their families. They also offer classes and workshops that help you understand ADHD diagnosis and successful treatment. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association also provides educational tele classes and can help you find a support group in your area. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a large national organization that also has local chapters you can find by searching CHADD and the name of your town or county. They offer strong social support that could be very enlightening and comforting as you deal with the challenges you face.
Conclusion
Many families with ADHD children may assume that their children will not go to college, either because they cannot afford it or because the child cannot handle the workload. With new treatments and medication for ADHD students are finding they can succeed and they should research every opportunity to do so.