Schools in Oregon for Adolescents with ADHD or Behavioral Problems

How Can I Help My Child with ADHD or Behavioral Problems?

If your adolescent has ADHD, he suffers from a neurological condition that generates symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. This can make it difficult for teens to sit still or pay sufficient attention in school. Other behavioral problems can stem from learning disabilities or mood and anxiety disorders. Oppositional defiance disorder and conduct disorder are the most common. In both cases, symptoms may include aggressive behavior, consistent violation of rules and a tendency to be angry, resentful or vindictive.

If your teen suffers from some of these issues, he might qualify for special education services. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures students an appropriate school education regardless of disability (www.ed.gov). To qualify for services under Section 504, a resource team of school professionals will evaluate your teen's behavior in the classroom, at recess and in your home. If the resource team finds him eligible, your teen will receive support directly targeted to minimize his behavioral struggles. Examples of Section 504 shifts include curriculum load reductions and specialized teaching within the classroom or in a special education setting for part of the day.

If your teen's issues are severe, the resource team might find him eligible for Individual Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) services. In this case, the team will work with you to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your teen with quantifiable annual goals. School professionals must get your consent before making changes to your teen's IEP. Educational learning methods vary for adolescents receiving IDEA services; this said, your teen might be instructed in a special education setting for part or all of each day.

Behavioral Boarding Schools

If you find that your adolescent isn't benefiting from special education services within his school setting, you can consider sending him to a behavioral boarding school in Oregon. Though behavioral boarding schools vary in conduct and structure, they share an goal of helping kids with behavioral disorders. Often, these schools partition their learning models to address students at the level of academic, social, emotional and physical development. Academic work may be highly individualized or may follow a structured schedule of daily classes.

Often, behavioral boarding schools feature therapeutic learning as an essential aspect of a student's experience. Some schools pair students with professional therapists on a weekly basis while others focus on particular therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or equine-assisted therapy. Other schools emphasize physical activities, such as team sports or wilderness experiences, as a method of developing emotional maturity. Some behavioral boarding schools feature all female or all male enrollment, while others are co-ed.

Other Options

Oregon is home to a number of organizations devoted to supporting adolescents with behavioral problems. Some organizations support a smooth transitional process for teens moving from psychiatric residential care or the juvenile justice system back into school settings. Others work at the policy level to ensure meaningful family involvement in school-wide support practices for kids and teens with behavioral problems. Most often, these organizations are based in specific school districts. To learn about positive behavioral intervention support in your area, ask a school administrator for a list of local organizations.