The 2020-21 school year of laptop learning and at-home schooling brought major changes and challenges for parents and their children, especially children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). So, what happens after the kids power off, say goodbye to virtual school, and take a summer break?
In the past, parents often considered giving their children with ADHD a “medication vacation” during holidays or time off from school, reasoning that without schoolwork to focus on, medication was not necessary. Especially for children whose ADHD was managed with stimulant medication, time off from school presented an opportunity to take a break from the use of a controlled substance, and limit the associated side effects.
This year, the uncharted territory and uncertainty of what comes next can be stressful. And for children with ADHD, this unfamiliar ground can add to the challenges they typically face. Maintaining treatment may help children to enjoy summer activities, while also preventing the complications that may be associated with stopping and restarting treatment in preparation for the back-to-school transition.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, typically diagnosed in early childhood, on average, at the age of 7. These children may struggle with controlling impulsive behaviors, have difficulty paying attention, and may be overly active.
Dr. Theresa R. Cerulli is a neuropsychiatrist who specializes in ADHD and has spent the last 20 years on the frontlines with families struggling with the disorder. In addition to her private practice and position on staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Dr. Cerulli is mom to a daughter with ADHD. She shares her professional and personal experience on how to help children begin the transition to in-person activities, prepare for full-day classes in the fall, and answers questions about ADHD treatments, including one recently approved by the FDA.
This interview is sponsored by Supernus.
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