ADHD and School Success: Getting Support for Your Child in Maryland

When your child starts to struggle in school, it can feel overwhelming. But there’s good news: if your child has ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or you think they might, you’re not alone, and there are many ways to help them succeed.

Whether it's figuring out if your child needs an ADHD assessment, looking into a child assessment, or even checking if your child is gifted, we can walk you through what happens next. At The Family Center, we offer ADHD testing in Ellicott City and assistance with school programs to get your child the support they need. Wether you’re new to working with your school or getting familiar with a diagnosis, we can help.

Learn more about ADHD in students and what happens next after your child is diagnosed.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and it affects how people, especially kids, focus, stay organized, and control their impulses. It's not a sign of low intelligence or bad behavior, but it can make things like schoolwork or even staying in one place for long periods of time challenging.

Does this sound like your child? Maybe they have trouble sitting still, or perhaps they seem to be daydreaming a lot during class. If you’ve noticed signs like these, you might wonder, “Could my child have ADHD?” One way to find out is through an ADHD assessment for your child, which can provide clear answers and solutions.

We offer assessments in Ellicott City at our Family Center. You can call or email today for more info.

What is an ADHD Assessment for Your Child?

An ADHD assessment is a way to figure out if your child has ADHD. This assessment is a thorough process that includes talking to schools, teachers, and evaluating behavior. At The Family Center, we take a full approach to understanding and supporting you and your family.

As part of our family therapy, we may ask to talk to teachers and family members about how your child behaves at school and home; present a test that looks at your child’s ability to focus, solve problems, and manage their time; and look at your child’s history to see if these behaviors have been going on for a while.

A child ADHD assessment can give parents important insights and a clear understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to take the right steps to help your child succeed in school, socially, and with their hobbies.

How Can ADHD Affect School Success?

Children with ADHD might find school difficult because they have a hard time focusing on tasks. For example, they might:

Have trouble finishing homework
Forget to turn in assignments
Get distracted easily in class
Act impulsively or struggle with sitting still

But here’s the good news: children with ADHD are capable of doing great in school, especially when they get the right support! Maryland offers significant programs to children with ADHD. At The Family Center, we help you get in touch with these resources and submit the required materials to qualify your child.

What to Expect from a Child Assessment

If you're not sure whether ADHD is affecting your child's schoolwork, an assessment can help you better understand what’s going on. This assessment doesn’t just look for ADHD—it can also identify if your child has other challenges or if they might be gifted in some areas. Every child is unique, and a child assessment helps parents and teachers provide the right kind of support.

Some things that might be part of a child ADHD assessment include:

Academic tests to see how well your child is performing compared to their grade level
Behavioral observations to see how your child behaves in different settings (school vs. home)
Interviews with parents and teachers to get a complete picture of your child’s strengths and challenges

What if My Child is Gifted?

Sometimes, children with ADHD are also very bright. These children might excel in certain subjects while struggling in others. A gifted child assessment can help identify areas where your child has exceptional abilities. It's important to know whether your child is gifted, as they may need a different kind of academic challenge to keep them engaged.

In some cases, a gifted child with ADHD might get bored easily, especially if the class material doesn’t challenge them enough. If your child is both gifted and has ADHD, they might need extra support to balance their needs in both areas.

How The Family Therapy Center in Ellicott City Can Help

Getting your child assessed for ADHD, learning challenges, or even giftedness might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As a family therapy center in Ellicott City, Maryland, we specialize in helping families just like yours navigate these waters. We’ll guide you step by step through the assessment process, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident about what’s next. We believe in making the process simple and friendly. No confusing medical jargon—just helpful guidance every step of the way.

Here are some ways we can support you:

ADHD assessment for your child to provide clear answers and direction
Therapy and counseling to help your child manage their ADHD symptoms
Parent coaching to help you better understand how to support your child at home
School advocacy to work with your child’s school and ensure they get the accommodations they need

What Are the Next Steps?

If you think your child might have ADHD or could benefit from an assessment, here’s how you can get started:

1) Talk to your child’s teacher: If your child is struggling in school, the teacher may have noticed specific patterns or challenges.

2) Schedule a consultation: You can contact our family therapy center to set up a meeting. We’ll discuss what you’ve noticed about your child’s behavior and suggest whether an ADHD assessment or other type of child assessment is needed.

3) Follow through with the assessment: Once the assessment is done, you’ll receive detailed feedback and recommendations. This might include therapy, extra support at school, or even learning about resources to help a gifted child reach their potential.

Stay positive! Helping your child succeed in school is a journey, and you’re already on the right path by taking action. Whether your child has ADHD, is gifted, or just needs a little extra support, they can thrive with the right guidance.

The Bottom Line: ADHD is Manageable, and Your Child Can Succeed!

Having a child with ADHD—or wondering if your child has it—can seem scary at first, but it’s important to remember that your child is capable of amazing things! With the right resources, like an ADHD assessment, therapy, and school support, your child can achieve their full potential.

At our family therapy center in Ellicott City, Maryland, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From answering your questions to working with schools, we’re your partners in making sure your child has everything they need to succeed.

So take that first step and reach out! We're here to help you navigate ADHD, school success, and everything in between. You’ve got this!

Talk To Us Today