12 Things Girl Scouts With ADD/ADHD Would Like Their Leaders to Know

We have adapted something that was posted on an on-line group under the title, "12 Things High School Students With ADD/ADHD Would Like Their Teachers to Know".   I think it is an important thing for Girl Scout Leaders to understand about the girls in their troops!  I do not know who to give credit to for the original - I apologize for that. 

1. I really do forget things, I am not trying to be smart or sassy, I simply do not always remember. The myth that if it is important enough I will remember it is just that, a myth.

2. I am not stupid.

3. It is easy for me to lose papers, leave them at home and otherwise not be able to find papers at the proper time. Completing paperwork in a notebook is much easier for me as it will not get lost as easily. Loose papers are difficult for me to keep track of.

4. If I ask the same question over or ask many questions, it's not to be annoying. I am trying hard to understand, comprehend and remember what you have said. Please be patient and help me.

5. I want to do good. My goal is to do my best.

6. ADD is not an excuse. ADD really does exist and it does affect my thinking process. I would like to be "normal" and be able to remember and process information quickly, I do not enjoy being "different" and made fun of for my differences.

7. I need your help to succeed. It isn't always easy for me to ask for help and sometimes asking makes me feel stupid. Please be patient with my attempts and offer your help.

8. Please be sure to talk with me in private about behaviors or actions that may not be appropriate. Please do not humiliate me, insult me, or call attention to my weaknesses in front of the class.

9. I do better with a detailed plan and knowing what you expect. If you should change plans in the middle to adapt to some outside influence, please help me to adapt. It may take me longer to adjust to the changes. Structure and guidance are my best allies.

10. I don't like having "special accommodations."  Please do not draw attention to them and help me to succeed with the least amount of attention drawn to my ADD.  If you are going to adapt a requirement, please do so for the whole troop and not just me.

11. Learn about ADD/ADHD. Read information and find out all you can on how kids with ADD learn and what can make it easier for them.  Ask my parents for suggestions.

12. Always remember that I am a person with feelings, needs and goals. These are as important to me as yours are to you.

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What is ADD/ADHD?

What I Wish My Leader Knew - Site Submissions

Myths about ADD/ADHD - offsite

Tips for working with ADD/ADHD girls

Add your suggestions for helping Girl Scouts with ADHD achieve success!

Troop Tips  /  Try-Its  /  Badges  /  IPAs  /  Patches  -  See what others have shared!

Great Links and Resources!

What about other "disorders" like Autism Spectrum/Asperger's, Learning, etc.?

All opinions and suggestions on this page are those of the author (gleaned from a multitude of resources and personal experiences) and not of GSUSA.  This site is not endorsed by GSUSA.