Question:

I am a third grade teacher who has had many hyperactive kids in my class. I used to be able to just tell parents to think about placing their child on medication, but now I've been told I could be sued if I do. How can I get help for kids who can't sit still or pay attention? What role should the classroom teacher play in assessing a child with ADHD?

Befuddled

Answer:

Dear Befuddled,

Most schools have a student study team that should be your first stop to explore diagnosis and support for any child in your class who has difficulty attending. If not, share your concerns about your student with the school psychologist. At all costs, avoid mentioning the word "medication" to the family. Whoever told you that you could be "sued" for suggesting medication is close to the truth. Your school district might be liable for any medical bill incurred if school personnel recommends a medical evaluation. You can, however, tell the family that the child in question has "attention problems." Should the family then ask if you are implying that they should seek medication, you should be certain to make clear that you understand that the question of medication is a concern for medical personnel not an educational professional. Under no circumstances should a teacher tell parents that their child needs "drugs".

As a teacher, however, you are an important part of the assessment team. Other than the parents, you spend more time with the child than anyone else. Your input is crucial for an appropriate diagnosis. So,

• DO promptly fill out any surveys or assessment tools given to you by your school psychologist, the child's individual psychologist or the child's pediatrician.

• DO keep anecdotal records of the child's behavior to support your observations.

• DO be open to accepting phone calls by mental health and medical professionals.

• DO be willing to fill out forms or communicate with parents and/or physician to track the effects of medications and dosages attempted.

When children get to middle and high school age, some teachers feel less inhibited about discussing medication issues with the child.

BEWARE - Under no circumstances should you discuss these issues with the child, even if that "child" is 16 or 17 years old. Never tell a child he or she needs more medication. Instead, contact the family and express your concerns about persistent attending problems. The child is not legally or medically responsible until she or he is legally an adult.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published AD/HD assessment guidelines for pediatricians. These guidelines will provide you with some idea of what to expect when you become involved in an assessment. They are available online at: http://www.aap.org/policy/ac0002.html