October 2025

Understanding and Supporting Children with ADHD

October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month! This month helps families, teachers, and communities learn more about ADHD and how to support children who live with it every day.

ADHD is one of the most common brain-based conditions in children. Kids with ADHD may have trouble focusing, sitting still, or waiting their turn. They might forget things or get distracted easily. These behaviors are not because they are lazy or trying to misbehave. Their brains just work differently.

Children with ADHD are often creative, full of ideas, and quick problem solvers. With understanding, routines, and support, they can do amazing things at school, home, and in the community.

Ways Parents and Professionals Can Help

• Celebrate strengths. Notice what your child does well and encourage it.
• Keep routines. Clear schedules help children know what to expect.
• Use movement breaks. Kids with ADHD often learn better when they can move.
• Work as a team. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can share ideas and stay in touch.
• Ask about school supports. Schools can provide help through a 504 Plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Program).

National ADHD Resources

Learn more about ADHD and find trusted tips, tools, and support for families and educators:

• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): www.chadd.org – Articles, videos, and free online events during October.
• ADHD Awareness Month Coalition: www.adhdawarenessmonth.org – Stories, facts, and yearly themes for awareness.
• CDC ADHD Resource Center: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd – Reliable information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Understood.org: www.understood.org – Family-friendly guides and tools for helping children at home and school.
• ADDitude Magazine: www.additudemag.com – Practical advice from experts and people living with ADHD.

If you have questions about school supports or how to work with your child’s IEP team, South Dakota Parent Connection can help. Visit www.sdparent.org or call (800) 640-4553 and speak to one of our experienced Outreach Specialists.

We’re Here for Families

You have probably been following the recent news about the changes to the Department of Education at the Federal level. While this news can be confusing, we want to assure you that South Dakota Parent Connection continues to be here for you—just as we always have been.

Nothing has changed about the work we do at South Dakota Parent Connection.

We are still here to:

• Help families understand their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Support communication between families and schools.
• Provide information, resources, and problem-solving guidance.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s education or special education services, start by reaching out to your school. If you still need help, contact South Dakota Parent Connection—we’re here to listen and guide you.

Together, we will continue to make sure every child with a disability in South Dakota receives the support, education, and opportunities they deserve.

Contact South Dakota Parent Connection:

📞 Call us toll-free: 1-800-640-4553

💻 Visit: www.sdparent.org

You're Invited!

We invite community members, families, and partners to join us for our Annual Board Meeting to enjoy a light breakfast as you meet our staff and board members, hear program highlights, and learn more about all that we've accomplished this year in supporting families and professionals across South Dakota. We look forward to sharing this special morning with you!

Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 9:30

Sioux Falls office at 3701 West 49th Street, Suite 102

Please RSVP by October 21st: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VV8Z5H6

Upcoming Events

See Where South Dakota Parent Connection Will Be!

Check out these upcoming events where our staff will be sharing information and resources to South Dakota families and those who support them. These opportunities provide valuable information, resources, and support for families across the state. To see where we’ll be next, check out our website or following us on Facebook. See you there!

October 21, 2025: Catch the College Wave, Watertown: Brought to you by Transition Services Liaison Project, this is a fun, half-day event for high school students with disabilities who are thinking about college or technical school. Students will hear from current college students with disabilities, learn about entrance and eligibility requirements, and find out how to get the accommodations they need to be successful. They’ll also have a chance to practice self-advocacy and communication skills to help them prepare for life after high school. Stop by and visit with South Dakota Parent Connection staff to learn about our resources.

October 29, 2025: Catch the College Wave, Mitchell: Brought to you by Transition Services Liaison Project, this is a fun, half-day event for high school students with disabilities who are thinking about college or technical school. Students will hear from current college students with disabilities, learn about entrance and eligibility requirements, and find out how to get the accommodations they need to be successful. They’ll also have a chance to practice self-advocacy and communication skills to help them prepare for life after high school. Stop by and visit with South Dakota Parent Connection staff to learn about our resources.

November 20, 2025: Catch the College Wave, Rapid City: Brought to you by Transition Services Liaison Project, this is a fun, half-day event for high school students with disabilities who are thinking about college or technical school. Students will hear from current college students with disabilities, learn about entrance and eligibility requirements, and find out how to get the accommodations they need to be successful. They’ll also have a chance to practice self-advocacy and communication skills to help them prepare for life after high school. Stop by and visit with South Dakota Parent Connection staff to learn about our resources.

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by U.S. Department of Education, HRSA, HHS, or the Federal Government.