Do I Have to Update Their School or Teacher?
Short answer? Not legally — but it might help.
You’re not required to tell your child’s school they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. But it can open the door to better understanding, better support, and fewer misunderstandings. That doesn’t mean you need to send an all-staff email. You get to decide who knows, what they know, and when.
When to share
You’re not required to tell your child’s school they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. But it can open the door to better understanding, better support, and fewer misunderstandings. That doesn’t mean you need to send an all-staff email. You get to decide who knows, what they know, and when.
In many cases, the school was already part of the process. If your child is in school, it’s likely that a teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) provided reports or observations for the assessment. Still, not everyone on staff will know the outcome — or what it means day-to-day.
You might want to follow up and confirm who’s aware, what they’ve been told, and whether a support plan will be created. Even if the school knows, they may be waiting for you to lead the next step.
What to share
You don’t have to hand over full diagnostic reports unless you’re applying for funding or formal adjustments. Most schools appreciate a short, plain-English explanation of:
- What ADHD looks like for your child
- What helps (and what doesn’t)
- Any support they’re receiving outside school
- Your key priorities or hopes
This might be as simple as an email or short meeting. You can bring someone with you, or ask to put it in writing. If a teacher is supportive — let them know. Teachers are human too.
What support can schools offer?
This depends a lot on your school, country, and funding structures. In NZ, formal supports can be limited, but classroom awareness and small adjustments can still make a big difference. Things like movement breaks, task scaffolding, emotional regulation tools, or visual schedules are all worth asking about.
And if the school response is disappointing? You’re not alone. Support looks different everywhere, and sometimes you’ll be the one educating the educators.
Your child’s safety matters
Sometimes families hesitate to disclose because of stigma. That’s valid. Not all schools respond with understanding. But many do. If your child is being punished for behaviours that are part of their disability, a clear paper trail can be protective — for both of you.
NEW Free Tool: When Support Means Punishment
A plain-English guide for parents of ADHD kids being punished instead of supported at school.
✔️ What schools should be doing
✔️ What’s not okay (even if it’s common)
✔️ What to say in meetings and emails
✔️ What to do if support is refused
✔️ What this means in Aotearoa — and how to adapt it internationally
