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7 Tips for College Students With ADHD

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning physician-scientist and clinical development specialist.

Verywell / Laura Porter

Qualities for Student Success

• ADHD and College
• Academic Tips
• Social Tips

Every autumn, thousands of students move away from the structure and safety of home to the freedoms of college life. While it's an exciting time filled with many possibilities for learning and growth, it can also be challenging academically and socially—especially for college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Learn some of the challenges that college students with ADHD face, as well as strategies that can be used to overcome these obstacles. This includes learning how to study with ADHD and taking certain actions to foster friendships with other students.

Sarah D. Wright , ADHD coach and author of "Fidget to Focus: Outwit Your Boredom—Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD," explains that successful students usually have four qualities that help them achieve their goals:

• Sticking with things even when the going gets tough (perseverance)
• Ability to delay gratification and focus on the big picture
• Time management and organizational skills
• Striking the right balance between fun and work

These particular skills, however, don’t come easily to people with ADHD. One of the hallmarks of this mental health condition is impaired executive functioning . This means that students with ADHD may struggle with staying organized, sticking to a plan, and managing time effectively.

How ADHD Affects College Students

College students often face more responsibilities, less structured time, increased distractions, and new social situations—all while lacking access to many of the support systems they had in high school. Impaired executive functioning can make handling these changes a bit harder for students with ADHD, resulting in:

• Poor academic performance and achievement : Students with ADHD frequently report feeling dissatisfied with their grades. They may struggle in their classes due to difficulties starting and completing tasks, disorganization, problems remembering assignments, difficulty memorizing facts, and trouble working on lengthy papers or complex math problems .
• Troubles with time management : Students with ADHD often have irregular lifestyles that result from poor time management. This can create problems with being on time, preparing and planning for the future, and prioritizing tasks.
• Difficulty regulating and managing emotions : Students with ADHD also often struggle with social issues, negative thoughts, and poor self-esteem. Some ADHD symptoms can make friendships and other relationships more challenging while worrying about these issues contributes to poor self-image.

The good news is that these areas of executive function can be improved. For most college students with ADHD, the problem isn’t in knowing what to do, it's getting it done. Developing strategies that focus on this goal can lead to positive academic and social effects.

Tips for Succeeding in College With ADHD

There are several strategies you can use to help stay on track if you are a college student with ADHD. Here are seven that Wright suggests.

1. Take Steps to Start the Day on Time

There are three main factors that contribute to being late in the morning: Getting up late, getting sidetracked, and being disorganized.

If Getting Up Late Is an Issue

Set two alarms to go off in sequence. Put the first alarm across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Put the second where you know it will bother your roommates, increasing the consequences if you don’t get out of bed and turn it off. Set both alarms to go off early so you can take your time getting ready.

If Getting Sidetracked Is an Issue

If certain actions tend to derail you, like checking your email or reading the news, make it a rule that those activities must wait until later in the day so you can stay on task . Also, figure out how much time you need to dress, eat, and get organized, then set alarms or other reminders to cue these tasks.

Three options are:

• Use a music mix as a timer . If you have 30 minutes to get ready, the schedule might look like this: wash and dress to songs 1 to 3, eat breakfast to songs 4 to 6, get your stuff together during song 7, and walk out the door by song 8. This option works best if you use the same mix every morning.
• Use your phone or buy a programmable reminder watch so your alarms are always nearby.
• Put a big wall clock in your room where you can easily see it . If your room is part of a suite with a common room and bathroom, put wall clocks in those spaces as well.

If Being Disorganized Is the Issue

Create a "launch pad" by your door. Collect all of the things you’ll need the next day the night before (like your backpack and keys), and put them on the pad so you can grab them and go. Include a note to help you remember important events for the day, such as an appointment or quiz.

2. Work With Your Urge to Procrastinate

Though it may sound counterproductive, if you feel the urge to procrastinate , go with it. When you have ADHD, sometimes things only get done right before they're due. At that point, nothing has higher priority, increasing the urgency and consequences if you don’t do them now. These qualities are what can finally make a task doable, so work with them.

If you plan to procrastinate, it's important to stack the deck so you can pull it off. For example, if you have to write a paper, make sure you’ve done the reading or research in advance and have some idea of what you want to write. Next, figure out how many hours you’ll need, block those hours out in your schedule, and then, with the deadline in sight, sit down and do it.

Understanding your tendency to procrastinate with ADHD can help you plan ahead so you won't be left scrambling to finish projects at the last minute.

3. Study Smarter, Not Harder

Boredom and working memory issues can make studying a bit more challenging for students with ADHD. Rather than trying harder to force the information into your head, get creative with the learning process.

If you're wondering how to study with ADHD, research shows that multi-modal learning or learning via a variety of different methods can be helpful. Ideas include:

• Highlight text with different-colored pens.
• Make doodles when taking notes.
• Record notes as voice memos and listen to them as you walk across campus.
• Use mnemonics to create funny ways to remember facts.
• Stand up while you study.
• Read assignments aloud using an expressive (not boring) voice.
• If you can, get the audio version of a book you need to read and listen to it while you take notes and/or exercise.
• Work with a study buddy.

These won't all work for every person, but try mixing up your strategies and see what happens. Taking study breaks every couple of hours and getting enough sleep are also part of studying smarter, not harder.

Sleep impacts learning in two main ways. First, sleep deprivation has a negative impact on  short-term memory , which is what you use to learn the materials when you study. Second, sleep is needed to move short-term memories into long-term memory, which is what you rely on when it's time to take the test.

Sleep is important for both short- and long-term memory, making it critical for both learning new material and recalling what you've learned.

4. Schedule Your Study Time

Many students with ADHD are highly intelligent. They can pull off a passing grade, or even a good one, in high school by cramming their studies in the night before a test.

This strategy doesn't work as well in college since cramming reduces your ability to retain what you've learned long-term . This can make it harder to remember what you need to know once you enter your field of choice.

One good rule of thumb for college students is to study two to two-and-a-half hours per week for every course credit hour. Put this time into your schedule to make sure you have it.

5. Plan and Prioritize Your Time

It may sound strange, but it's important to plan time to plan. If you don’t develop this habit, you may find yourself always being reactive with your day rather than proactive—the latter of which can help you take more control over your schedule .

Set aside time on Monday mornings to develop a high-level plan for the week, using Friday mornings to plan for the weekend. In addition, do a daily review of your plan over breakfast—possibly adding pertinent details—to make sure you know what’s coming your way that day.

When making your plans, differentiate between what you need to do and everything that can or should be done. Prioritize what needs to be done first, taking care of these items before moving on to lower-priority tasks on your list.

6. Implement Strategies to Stick to Your Plan

With ADHD, sticking to a plan is often difficult. If you like rewards, use them to assist with this. For instance, you might tell yourself, "I’ll read for two hours, then go to the coffee house." Having something to look forward to can make it easier to muster through your studies.

If you’re competitive, use this personality trait instead. Pick another student in your class whom you want to do better than and go for it. If you know that you respond to social pressure, make plans to study with classmates so you won’t let them down. Or hire a tutor so you have structured study time.

Research suggests that focusing on skills related to time management , target planning, goal setting, organization, and problem-solving can all be helpful for students with ADHD.

Hiring a coach can also be beneficial. There is growing evidence, both research-based and anecdotal, that supports ADHD coaching as a vital strategy in helping students learn to plan, prioritize, and persist in following their plans.

This type of coaching is sometimes described as a form of life coaching influenced by cognitive behavioral-type therapy , which helps people develop behaviors, skills, and strategies to better deal with ADHD symptoms. It can lead to greater self-determination and direction, reduced feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and increased self-confidence and self-sufficiency.

7. Manage Your Medication

One study found that only around 53% of college students with ADHD adhere to their medication plan. Poor medication adherence can have serious consequences, contributing to poor academic performance and decreased graduation rates. 

Steps you can take to stay on top of your ADHD medications include:

• Find a local healthcare provider : Regularly monitoring your medications helps ensure that you are at the best dosage for you. If you're going to school a long way from home, find a local healthcare provider to meet with regularly. You can also schedule regular visits with your university's health services.
• Find a local pharmacy : Determine where you'll order and pick up your medication. Set reminders on your phone so you know when to refill your prescription. You may also be able to sign up for text reminders.
• Store medications safely : Abuse of ADHD medications is on the rise on college campuses, even though this can result in high blood pressure, increased feelings of anger and distrust, trouble sleeping, and even strokes. Keep your ADHD medications in a safe location and never share them with others. 
• Set reminders to take your medication : If you are struggling to take your medication as prescribed, consider using a reminder app or setting reminders on your phone.

Research points to medication as the most effective and available ADHD treatment option. However, it's important to talk to your care provider to decide the best treatment approach for your individual situation and needs.

Social Strategies for Students With ADHD

Interpersonal challenges are also common for college students with ADHD. While being out on your own for the first time can be exciting, this mental health condition can lead to difficulties in building and maintaining friendships .

CHADD—which stands for Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, an organization funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—offers these tips:

• Remember that you aren't the only one who feels the way you do . Other students may be feeling just as excited (and overwhelmed) as you. During orientation, help them feel more comfortable by being friendly and listening when they share their concerns.
• Look for opportunities to meet and interact with others . You might make new friends in class, in your dorm, at the school cafeteria, or at other places on campus. View each of these locations as an opportunity to expand your social network .
• Find activities or clubs to join. Colleges and universities are great places to explore hobbies and meet people who share your interests. Check out bulletin boards on campus or look at your school's website to learn more about the options that are available. 
• Stay in contact with your current friends . Don't let your high school friendships fade into the background just because you're at college. While you're busy with new things and might not see each other every day, stay in touch by phone, text, social media, or email. Your current friends can be great sources of social support .

A Word From Verywell

Being proactive and getting strategies in place early on can increase your success as a college student with ADHD, both academically and socially. This can help make your transition to college life a happy, successful, and productive time.

Get Help Now

We've tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. College students with ADHD .

Pineda-Alhucema W, Aristizabal E, Escudero-Cabarcas J, Acosta-López JE, Vélez JI. Executive function and theory of mind in children with ADHD: a systematic review . Neuropsychol Rev . 2018;28:341-358. doi:10.1007/s11065-018-9381-9

Kwon SJ, Kim Y, Kwak Y. Difficulties faced by university students with self-reported symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A qualitative study . Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health . 2018;12(12). doi:10.1186/s13034-018-0218-3

Ward N, Paul E, Watson P, et al. Enhanced learning through multimodal training: Evidence from a comprehensive cognitive, physical fitness, and neuroscience intervention .  Sci Rep . 2017;7(1):5808. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-06237-5

Rommelse N, van der Kruijs M, Damhuis J, et al. An evidence-based perspective on the validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the context of high intelligence . Neurosci Biobehav Rev . 2016;71:21-47. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.032

Walck-Shannon EM, Rowell SF, Frey RF. To what extent do study habits relate to performance? CBE Life Sci Educ . 2021;20(1):ar6. doi:10.1187/cbe.20-05-0091

Wennberg B, Janeslätt G, Kjellberg A, Gustafsson P. Effectiveness of time-related interventions in children with ADHD aged 9-15 years: a randomized controlled study . Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry . 2018;27:329-342. doi:10.1007/s00787-017-1052-5

Prevatt F. Coaching for college students with ADHD .  Curr Psychiatry Rep . 2016;18(12):110. doi:10.1007/s11920-016-0751-9

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Stanford Medicine. Abuse of prescription ADHD medicines rising on college campuses .

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By Keath Low  Keath Low, MA, is a therapist and clinical scientist with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina. She specializes in treatment of ADD/ADHD.

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Home » Topics » My child has ADHD. How can I make homework easier?

My child has ADHD. How can I make homework easier?

8 homework strategies for the adhd student, article at a glance.

• ADHD means kids learn differently, so different strategies are needed. 
• Counter-intuitive moves like more breaks, wearing headphones, or racing can help. 
• Play to your child’s strengths and be flexible within a consistent framework. 

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)  is a disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, lack of impulse control, and/or excessive movement, such as fidgeting. As of 2016, an estimated 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. An ADHD diagnosis does not mean that a child cannot be successful, though. When it comes to tasks such as homework, finding the strategies and tricks that work for your individual child makes all the difference. Here are some strategies to try if homework is an area of struggle. 

Try Alternative Seating  

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)  is a disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, lack of impulse control, and/or excessive movement, such as fidgeting. As of 2016, an estimated 6.1

• If your child typically sits at a table/desk, try setting them up in a different area or with different furniture, such as a beanbag chair or a futon.  
• If weather permits, try letting them do homework outside.  
• Pair the workspace with a favorite blanket or pillow.  

Headphones Are an Anti-distraction Tool  

• Playing music might help focus attention on the homework task at hand. 
• Noise canceling headphones might help limit distractions. 
• If headphones bother them, allow them to play the background noise of choice during homework time. 

Fidget Toys are Your Friend  

• Fidget spinners and other toys can help with sitting still long enough to complete the homework task. 
• A variety of textures may also be helpful. 

Break it Up  

• Schedule regular breaks during homework time 
• Allow your child some input with how frequently the breaks are scheduled 
• Do not be afraid to adjust the schedule if the breaks are occurring too frequently or not frequently enough 
• Make sure breaktime activities are meaningful to them 

Use Timers as Finish Lines

• Set a timer for each homework schedule. If your child is old enough, have them set the timer. 
• For extra fun, have your child select a non-digital timer to use during homework time. 

Make it a Contest 

• Appeal to a competitive nature by setting homework challenges such as “See if you can finish reading this chapter before your break.” 
• Participate in the challenges with them by letting them “assign” you a task to complete in the same amount of time. 
• Celebrate completed challenges together. 

Set Up a Routine  

• Start homework at the same time every evening. 
• Organize materials prior to beginning a task. 
• Establish a homework order based on your child’s preferences. For example, “I know you hate Social Studies, so let’s do that first and get it out of the way/let’s do that last and get everything else done first.” 

Be Consistent  

Not every strategy will work for every child, but once you find the strategy or combination of strategies that work, stick with them. Make the living room corner with the beanbag chair and fuzzy blanket the homework spot if that’s where they work best. If 12.5 minutes is the ideal amount of time per homework session, set the timer for 12.5 minutes every time. Make sure that breaks are the same length. Establish a homework routine and go through the steps every time. Participate in homework tasks as much as you are able when appropriate. For older kids, check in regularly with them.  

ADHD complicates homework tasks , but it does not have to keep your child from being successful. Finding effective strategies will make a world of difference for both you and your child. 

After completing his undergraduate degree in Business Management, Dr. Weed moved to Pennsylvania to study Medicine. While he tried to keep an open mind about a specialty, he noticed that pediatric rounds were always his favorite.

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6 Ways a Child With ADHD Can Study Better

 No kid likes homework. But for a child with ADHD, homework time can be extra hard. Assignments that might take other kids an hour can take yours 2 or 3 -- or more.

Homework doesn't have to ruin your kid's day. And it doesn't have to turn you into a stressed out, nagging parent. A structured routine can help your son or daughter stay focused and on track.

1. Set up a homework station.

Choose one spot where your child can do their homework every day. Make sure it's away from distractions like noisy siblings, a phone, and the TV. (The kitchen table works well for some kids, since you can easily check in on them.)

The seat should face a wall, not a window. White noise, from an MP3 player or a fan, can help drown out sounds to keep their mind on the work.

Try to give siblings their own space, though this may be hard if you have to monitor more than one. Remember that different kids may have different needs.

2. Break up study time.

Does your child start strong, then sputter out? Split up assignments so they don’t have to do it all at once.

Instead of a solid hour, have them tackle three 20-minute sessions with playtime or a snack in between.

Or switch subjects: math for 20 minutes, then English for another 20, then back to math. They'll struggle less, and their work may improve.

3. Stay on schedule.

Kids with ADHD have trouble managing time. They also get off track easily. A schedule can help with both problems.

Ask your child to break down their homework into mini-assignments that take only a few minutes each. Then use an egg timer or alarm app to keep them on task for each section. Not only will it help them, but you won't have to nag as much.

Like the daily assignments, break down big, long-term projects (like a diorama or a book report) into simple steps. Set up a schedule with a due date for each step. These small deadlines will help them get the project done on time.

4. Plan studying around medication.

A child who takes ADHD medication may study better earlier in the afternoon, when the drugs are still in effect. They may have a hard time later in the evening, after they wear off.

5. Motivate with rewards.

They're not bribes. It's OK to reward your child when they do a good job. A little encouragement can go a long way.

Some parents set up a currency -- poker chips, for example -- in return for getting homework done. Your kid can turn the chips in later for rewards they like, such as time to watch TV or play a video game.

6. Make sure homework is handed in.

Your child might spend hours on their homework, then lose it or forget to hand it in. An organized binder or folder system, with pockets for new assignments and finished homework, can help get the papers across the finish line.

Keep on top of assignments.

This last one is a bonus for you. It's not uncommon for a kid with ADHD to miss a due date or misunderstand instructions. Create a backup plan. Talk to your child's teacher -- weekly or even daily -- about upcoming assignments.

Some teachers post homework on the Internet. Others may email copies of assignments directly to you. Ask the teacher to let you know about any late or missing homework.

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Schoolwork at Home with ADHD

At a glance.

Without classroom structure, kids with ADHD often find it hard to get on track and stay on track • Whether managing virtual schooling or homework, these simple strategies can help your child be more productive while doing assignments at home

Create a Designated Workspace

A neurotypical brain is capable of filtering out multiple inputs, but the ADHD brain struggles to tune out noise and distractions in the workplace, making it exceptionally hard to focus.

To give the ADHD brain a hand, create a specific workplace for your child that is as distraction-free as possible. Ideally, this is a space that is only used for working, so the brain learns to associate it with quiet concentration. To the degree possible, this space should be separate from main living areas where other family members might be moving around or making noise. If your child is particularly sensitive to noise, he may also benefit from noise-cancelling headphones and listening to white noise.

Chunk Assignments

One feature of ADHD is difficulty with planning, organizing, and initiating tasks . To make homework less overwhelming and help your child develop planning skills, help to break down assignments into clearly defined  chunks,  or steps. For example, instead of “Write book report,” help develop a specific list of what has to be accomplished, such as, “1. Read book. 2. Come up with a thesis statement. 3. Write outline…” etc.

Have your child focus on completing one chunk at a time, and monitor his progress as he works. It helps to give feedback (with as much  positive   feedback as possible!) on their working style as they go.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

Teenagers and young adults often benefit from a time management method called the  Pomodoro Technique , which structures work time around frequent short breaks. The Pomodoro Technique works as follows:

• Select the task to work on
• Set a timer for 25 minutes
• After the 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break
• After four “pomodoros” (or 25-minute chunks), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

There are several apps that help keep track of pomodoros, such as “PomoDone,” “Focus Keeper,” or “Marinara Timer.”

For younger children, or teenagers with severe ADHD, this technique should be adjusted down to shorter intervals. Many young kids with ADHD can’t focus for more than 5-10 minutes. Find the amount of time that works—long enough for them to make progress but not so long that they get overly antsy, frustrated, or tired—and use frequent breaks to help them stay regulated.

Encourage Movement

Many children and teens with ADHD move around like Energizer Bunnies. While this may seem distracting, it’s actually the body’s way of compensating for  understimulation  in the brain. So to help your child focus, find ways to integrate movement into their work. This could mean having them stand up while doing work, or even doing work while walking or wiggling around, if the assignment allows. For work that has to be completed in one set place, allowing them to use a fidget toy can make a big difference in their ability to focus.

Outside of actual work time, it helps to take frequent “brain breaks” where movement is encouraged. Have you ever noticed that you tend to be more clear-headed after exercising or going for a walk? This is even more the case for those with ADHD. Whether it’s taking a 5-minute dance break, doing some jumping jacks or burpees, or taking a walk around the block, getting the body moving will help to stimulate their brains and give them an extra jolt of “focus” for the next round of working.

Most importantly, do your best to be patient with the process. Because ADHD has many different presentations, some strategies will work better for your child than others. Do a little trial and error, and check in often about what helps the most. Whenever you find something that works, take the opportunity to celebrate! Your child is working hard to overcome his struggles, and so are you. Keep up the great work!

This article is adapted with permission from the Sasco River Center in CT . Caroline Segal, a psychotherapist at the Sasco River Center, specializes in the treatment of child and adolescent anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral issues.

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Because differences are our greatest strength

7 reasons kids with ADHD often rush through homework

By Gail Belsky

Expert reviewed by Andrew Kahn, PsyD

Updated January 3, 2023

All kids rush through homework once in a while so they can get to the things they’d rather be doing. But for kids with ADHD, rushing can be an ongoing challenge that results in sloppy, incorrect, or incomplete work.

Why does this happen? A key reason is that kids with ADHD struggle with executive function skills . They often have a hard time staying focused, managing their time, waiting, and monitoring their work. 

Other factors may come into play, too. Kids with ADHD may be worn out after school. Or they might have “ medication rebound ” if they take stimulants for ADHD. 

Here are some of the most common reasons kids with ADHD race through their homework assignments.

1. Trouble holding on to information

Trouble with working memory can make it hard for kids with ADHD to keep information in mind as they do their homework. Instead of taking their time to think through their answers, they might scribble them out as fast as possible before they lose their train of thought. That can mean incomplete or even incorrect responses.

2. Poor time management skills

When kids with ADHD have multiple assignments, they may have trouble gauging how much time to spend on each one. They also may hyperfocus on one task and then have a hard time moving on to the next. Having spent an hour on one assignment, they might speed through their remaining homework.

3. Difficulty staying interested

Kids with ADHD have trouble with focus and often tune out quickly when tasks are tedious. Faced with a worksheet of 25 similar math problems, they might zoom through it carelessly because they’re bored.

4. Difficulty with self-monitoring

For kids with ADHD, doing homework may seem endless. So the idea of sitting even longer to check over their work for mistakes can be unbearable. They may also think it’s OK to just turn in their first effort, rather than spend more time making sure it’s correct and complete.

5. Trouble with self-control

Kids with ADHD can have a hard time putting off what they want, even if it’s better for them to wait. If they’re itching to play their new video game or watch TV, they might rush through homework without even thinking or caring about the fact that taking their time can result in better grades.

6. Learning challenges

Kids with ADHD often have learning challenges like dyslexia and dyscalculia as well. So on top of the challenges that ADHD presents, they may struggle with the work itself. That can lead them to rush through homework just to get it over with.

7. Feeling defeated

Struggling at school can wear kids down and make them lose confidence. Over time, they may come to believe they won’t “get it.” Or that they won’t do well no matter how hard they try. If kids believe the outcome will be the same whether they spend 20 minutes or two hours on homework, they might not think it’s worth it to take the time to do a careful job.

If your child races through homework, knowing the reasons why lets you find strategies that can help. Observe your child during homework and look for patterns . Get tips for helping kids slow down on homework in grade school and middle school . And download a free homework contract that your child can follow.

Key takeaways

Rushing leads to sloppy, incorrect, or incomplete homework.

Kids with ADHD often also have learning differences that can make homework so difficult that they rush just to be done with it.

A medication “rebound” effect can make some kids get very tired or sluggish after school. Fine-tuning ADHD medication can help.

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How to Focus With ADHD

Tips for focusing with adhd.

• Why You Can't Concentrate
• Stressful Environments

Parenting a Child With ADHD

• Next in Adult ADHD Guide Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Lack of focus ( inattention ) is one of the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It may be difficult for people with ADHD to maintain focus and stay organized.

Problems with focus can impact your time at school, work, home, and in social situations. Fortunately, specific strategies can help people with ADHD concentrate.

This article will share tips on how to improve focus if you have ADHD. It also includes advice for specific environments like work, school, and home.

Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health

If you have ADHD, and you are concerned about your lack of focus, there is help. Medication prescribed by your healthcare provider can provide relief. Specific strategies can also help increase focus, whether you take medication or not:

• Breathe : Get in the habit of practicing deep breathing. This will help calm the nervous system. In addition, regular meditation practice may increase focus and decrease stress.  
• Do one task at a time : Focus on one task at a time at work. This reduces anxiety and nervousness surrounding completing all the daily tasks.
• Talk to others : If you feel comfortable sharing your condition with your community, this can help increase others' compassion. There are also support groups and licensed mental health professionals who can also help you on your journey.
• Take movement breaks : Take breaks to move. Whether it is a walk around the office or a stretch, movement can help with focus.
• Use timing techniques : To help with specific tasks, set a timer for an uninterrupted working period. For some people, it may mean 15 minutes, for others, 30. Try different time segments to determine what works for you. Your attention span may vary depending on your age.
• Watch your diet : Try to maintain a healthy diet and reduce or eliminate sugar, alcohol, and smoking.
• Plan ahead : A plan can help you feel in control of what you are doing, for how long, and how. Many times there are interruptions or complications, and it is good to have a plan and list in place to help you get back on course.
• Organize your workspace : It is important to have a clean and organized space where you work. Clutter can worsen anxiety and confusion.
• Set the environment : Your general environment is also important. A clean and ordered space can help your mindset and reduce stress. When you know where things are placed, it enables you to think clearer and relax.
• Write it down : First, write down everything that you have to do. Then, organize the tasks by deadline and importance. If the item doesn’t have a deadline, give yourself one. Then place the tasks on your weekly and daily to-do lists. As you complete tasks, check them off to see how far you’ve come.
• Reward yourself : If you have completed tasks and reached your goals—allow yourself to feel good and celebrate.
• Journal and document : Track times that you focus better, or nights that you have difficulty sleeping. You can also journal about your thoughts and feelings. You may share your journal when discussing your progress with your healthcare provider.
• Try behavior therapy : This is often used to help children with ADHD. Parents and teachers can train to help the child reduce problem behaviors.
• Work with a licensed mental health professiona l: Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help adults manage ADHD. Your healthcare provider can give you a referral.

Can people with ADHD drink caffeine for focus?

It depends. There are studies showing that caffeine may help increase focus, attention, and vigilance. Some ADHD medications have the same effect. A study of soldiers with ADHD found some benefits of caffeine pills in reducing symptoms, including inattention.

Why Can’t I Concentrate With ADHD?

When an individual has ADHD, they may have trouble focusing—this is part of the definition of the condition. According to the American Psychiatric Association, nine symptoms of inattention may be present in ADHD. These can include:

• Difficulty staying focused at work, during play, or at home
• Missing important details
• Frequently missing deadlines or having consistently disorganized work
• Difficulty following through with instructions or tasks
• Avoiding tasks that take a long time or focus to complete
• Appearing not to listen during a conversation
• Difficulty remembering to keep appointments, pay bills, respond to emails, or return phone calls
• Frequently losing things that are essential, such as keys, cell phone, or wallet
• Being easily distractible

A person under 18 years old with six of these might be classified with inattentive ADHD.

Adults with long-term presentation of five or more of the above symptoms, with little to no symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, may also have an inattentive presentation of ADHD.

Stressful Environments for People With ADHD

If you or your child has ADHD, there are tips to help you cope with a lack of focus in stressful environments.

Work/School

At both work and school, a clean and orderly environment can be helpful. A schedule can help keep you on track.

• At school, a desk organized with all of the supplies needed can help with completing a task or assignment.
• A 45-minute lesson might be broken up between listening to a lecture and doing an assignment. A visual time breakdown can be helpful.
• If a movement or stretching break between tasks is not an option, a stress ball can be helpful to ensure some type of movement.
• At work, a to-do list, timer, and break times are useful. Adults understand their focus timing better so they can gauge when the most focused work should be done during their workday.

Some individuals with ADHD have trouble sleeping . The bedroom should feel clean and comfortable—it should be an area for rest and relaxation.

• Try not to have work items in the bedroom.
• Set a time to turn off the phone, computer, and TV.
• Make the bedroom a sanctuary with soft lighting to help calm yourself for sleep.
• Try stretching that promotes relaxation.

With the many responsibilities and tasks to complete at home, the most important thing is to ensure you don't get overwhelmed. Organization is key.

• A list of chores and tasks can help.
• With younger people, try sitting down to discuss the chores, including how and when to complete them. This can help the child think through their responsibilities and start to understand how they work.

If your child has ADHD, the first step in helping them is having patience and understanding. Upon diagnosis, everything may feel new to both you and your child. There are age- and diagnosis-specific ways to help them succeed with ADHD.

• Remember that this is your child's journey and communication with them is important.
• Have open communication with your child’s teachers, coaches, counselors, and learning specialist. Your child will feel supported by their team and have the tools for success.
• Even if you have ADHD as a parent, remember that each experience is different. Allow your child to feel their feelings and grow through the journey.

Problems with focus (inattention) are a common symptom of ADHD and can affect school, work, home life, and social life. Medications for ADHD can address this symptom, as can behavioral strategies to help you or your child focus.

If you need additional help for yourself or your child, your healthcare provider can refer you to the right mental health professional or specialist. They can help you create a plan to help your condition. It takes patience and understanding from everyone involved.

National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder .

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.  ADHD and complementary health approaches .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of ADHD .

Nimmo-Smith V, Merwood A, Hank D, et al.  Non-pharmacological interventions for adult ADHD: a systematic review .  Psychological Medicine.  2020;50:529–541. doi:10.1017/ S0033291720000069

McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance .  Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews . 2016;71:294-312. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001

Cipollone G, Gehrman P, Manni C, et al. Exploring the role of caffeine use in adult-ADHD symptom severity of US Army soldiers . J Clin Med . 2020;9(11):3788. doi:10.3390/jcm9113788

American Psychiatric Association. What is ADHD?

By Yvelette Stines Stines is a Michigan-based health writer, book author, and communications specialist.

Health Issues

ADHD and Homework Our eleven-year-old daughter, who has been diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD, has been doing better since she began treatment with stimulant medication. However, we still have trouble getting her organized around homework. We have tried setting up an office in her room, taking away all the distractions, keeping the area quiet, and not allowing the television to go on until all her homework is done. We don’t seem to be making much progress and, in fact, we are all getting even more frustrated because nothing seems to work. Her teachers still complain that work is not getting turned in, and her grades are still suffering in spite of her teacher always telling us how bright she is. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the ideal homework setting. Some children with ADHD work inefficiently in an isolated, quiet setting like their room, and do better in the midst of some action, like at the kitchen table with a radio playing. You might need to try a few different settings until you find the most efficient one. In addition, you might need to figure out if any other factors are making homework difficult. Think about all the steps involved. Does your child know what all the assignments are? Does she bring the materials home that are necessary for doing the work? Does she have a nightly work plan that fits with her learning style? (She might need to schedule breaks between math and English, or between outlining the report and writing the first 3 paragraphs.) Does she have a system to check on whether all the nightly work is done? Is there a system for checking that her completed work gets turned in on the due date? How does she or you know that work is late? Have you or her teacher set up rewards for progress or consequences for late work? Is there a system for her teacher to communicate with you about late work? Once you have gone through this type of systematic list of questions, you can begin to solve the problem in an organized way—and you might discover some simple and obvious solutions. If she is taking stimulant medication and she does her homework primarily at a time after it has worn off, you could consider a short-acting extended dose of medication for the early evening. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Data and Statistics on ADHD Free Materials on ADHD Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Articles Clinical Care and Treatment Show All Home School Changes — Helping Children with ADHD What to know. Many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with school, whether school is in-person, at home, or through virtual classes. Children with ADHD may especially struggle when switching between school environments or to different schools entirely. Learn more about helping children with ADHD adjust to changes in school. ADHD and Schools Children with ADHD might experience more obstacles in their path to success than the average student. Most children with ADHD receive some school services. This can mean special education services, such as individual or small group instruction with a special education teacher; or accommodations, such as changing how assignments, tasks, and tests are done, extra help with remembering and organizing work, and frequent communication. Together, teachers and parents can help children with ADHD succeed in school . A changing school environment Many children experience more than one learning environment, for example, moving from one school to another as they age. In the COVID-19 pandemic, many children experienced changes in their learning environment, switching from in-person schooling to distance schooling, including learning at home and online. Many children returned to in-person schooling, but with more online learning as part of the school day. Some children continued with home or virtual-only schooling. Strategies to help with school success‎ Because ADHD symptoms include difficulty with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity , which can affect planning, organizing, and managing behavior, many children with ADHD struggle with change. Here are some of the challenges that children with ADHD can face in different learning environments: Physical activity and movement are important for all children, but especially so for children with ADHD. More time spent with virtual learning can mean sitting still without moving for longer periods of time. Finding time to move may be especially important for children who struggle with hyperactivity. Children with ADHD struggle more with boredom and putting mental effort into challenging tasks. Virtual learning or in-person school with more rules may lack novelty and excitement. Teachers may need to find new ways to keep children with ADHD from being bored and keep them engaged in learning. Children with ADHD are more likely than their peers to have some difficulties with social relationships. If the school environment provides fewer opportunities to interact freely during the day, children may need other ways to practice social skills and build on relationships. Transitions can be challenging for children with ADHD; they may need extra help getting ready, and more time getting used to new settings. Having to spend time doing schoolwork, homework, and family activities in the same space where parents may also have to do their own work can create additional stress for students and parents. Children with ADHD are likely to have other disorders in addition to ADHD , which can make coping with stress, change, and social isolation associated with virtual learning even more difficult. They may need additional support . With changes in how school is being conducted, there is also the possibility that children who have special needs are not getting the services they need. The U.S. Department of Education has issued information for implementing special education services for schools that use distance learning. However, some children with ADHD may respond positively to some of the changes. For example, virtual learning may provide fewer distractions for children who find it more difficult to tune out other people around them. More structured classrooms with more distance between students might help some children focus. With fewer activities in their daily schedules, some children may have more time to get the sleep they need. Since each child may react differently to changes in their environment, parents, teachers, and students need support that works for each individual child. Working to help parents, students, and teachers To help parents and students adapt to the changing environment, the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of CHADD—Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and funded CDC partner, has worked to create resources and support for parents. These resources include advice for parents and teachers on: Creating enough structure so that the child can learn new routines Keeping the child engaged with learning Managing difficulty with attention while coping with changes Setting up the home learning environment Helping children stay connected with other children Keeping children healthy and active Caring for a child with special needs can mean extra challenges. Parents of children with ADHD may experience extra stress from supporting their child while coping with changes and may need additional help. The NRC has created a parent toolkit, including information and resources to help parents understand more about ADHD and how to support their child, and tips and advice that help parents with their own stress during uncertain times. CDC also provides information and resources for parents making decisions about schooling , coping with their own stress, and ensuring children's well-being . Schools are a part of ADHD treatment To meet the needs of children with ADHD, schools can: Be part of effective treatment plans for children with ADHD Provide special education services or accommodations. The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for ADHD treatment state that school is a necessary part of any treatment plan. Behavioral classroom management focusing on positive responses is an evidence-based treatment for ADHD and can complement parent training in behavior management . The NRC also provides some tips for receiving treatment via when in-person treatment is not possible. Parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and older children and teens can collaborate to develop an approach that works best for each student. National Resource Center on ADHD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) ADHD Toolkits for Parents and Educators "Ask The Expert" Webinar: Teaching Students How to "Work From Home" (Sept. 9, 2020) "All Things ADHD" Podcast: Online Learning for Children with ADHD (Sept. 10, 2020) U.S. Department of Education Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs (Sept. 30, 2021) - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act More information About ADHD | CDC Children's Mental Health | CDC Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) CDC's Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) site includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, data, research, and free resources. For Everyone Health care providers. 3 Homework Strategies for Teens With ADHD How they can get their homework done.. Posted September 28, 2023 | Reviewed by Ray Parker What Is ADHD? Find counselling to overcome ADHD Completing homework can be difficult for kids with ADHD. Phones can be a major distraction for children with ADHD, so take them away before they start working. With the body-double method, a child works on their homework in the same room with another person. It’s the start of a new school year, the honeymoon phase is slowly beginning to fade, and the rigor of academics is taking off. Every year, I begin the new school year with a mountain-high amount of hope that the summer served as a source of maturation and consolidation of a new set of skills. In many ways, I’m correct and my three children show a new level of growth. For kids with attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), or executive functioning struggles, the start of a new school year often comes with a greater need for organization of school materials, time management , prioritization, and study skills. One thing I hear from parents is that their child may spend hours "working" on homework and have nothing to show for it. How can that be? Well, I went to my best source of information: adolescents. The responses were honest and raw. I heard that they start their homework, but then the phone dings, or they get an idea about a show or a game, and look it up (because they can). Before they know it, so much time has passed and little or no progress on their assignments has been made. This is usually the time when a parent checks in and the young man or lady tries to "look" busy, but truly, no real work has been done. Or, teens have said to me that’s when they “bark” at their parents and ask to be left alone. Part of that response is the awareness that they have been sitting in front of their homework for a while but little has been done, and the other part is pure frustration and procrastination . And this cycle continues on and on, for hours. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about a few strategies that you can initiate at home that will help with building those executive functioning skills while getting their homework done. The Body Double Method Some of us get the most done when nobody is around, with no sound, in the silence. For some of our children and adolescents with ADHD, it helps to have another person in the same room or nearby. Perhaps it’s knowing that the person is present and can check in at any time that maintains focus and improves productivity . Some of us need the presence of another person to regulate and ground us. That person doesn’t have to say or do anything, they just need to exist. This is known as our body double. Speaking from experience, my preference is to set my computer at the kitchen counter and work while my kids are around me. I have always preferred the buzz of other people in the background, rather than working alone. My son, on the other hand, prefers to work in his room because he finds our "human sounds" too distracting. My daughter likes to work on her homework sprawled out, in the middle of my kitchen floor. We each have our preferences and those preferences can even shift from assignment to assignment. If you’re not sure if your child or adolescent needs you to serve as her body double, ask her. If she isn’t sure, experiment. That is, set your child up on the same floor as you are, perhaps at the kitchen table or in your dining room (or another room that has a table and a chair). Ask your child to complete one assignment and then assess it. Was it helpful to work near you or was it too distracting? If your child responds that he was able to get through his assignment quickly and with focus, you have your answer. Now you know that your child is going to need to set up at a table or workspace somewhere by you, instead of sending her up to her room. Put the Phone Down and Nobody Gets Hurt Distractions are around our children with ADHD all the time. The chirping bird or the passing truck can very easily result in a turned head. For many of our children and adolescents, their ability to filter out background sound is difficult. They may hear all sounds in the environment at an equal level. Imagine if you couldn’t filter out the buzzing of the lawnmower while you were sending an email. It can be overwhelming and exhausting. Now, let’s compound that with a vibrating phone or the "ping" that signals your child that someone has reacted to the last SnapChat—omg, I need to check. The temptation is there to check Instagram every time your child doesn’t want to start a writing assignment or finds that chapter in social studies really boring . Let’s take away a layer of distraction that is tangible. Ask your child to turn their phone in once they begin their homework. All of the texts and other social media notifications will be there once they return, but in the meantime, their homework will get done. Estimate and Time It Children with ADHD tend to think that any assignment will take the figurative "five minutes." How many times have you thought, “You’re going to finish a paper that was assigned two weeks ago in an hour?” He may think that it will take "five minutes" given that his sense of time is not entirely accurate. To build that sense of time, I like to ask students, “How long do you think this math worksheet will take?” Whatever the answer is, set the timer to that estimated time and let the child work. Once time is up, ask him to assess, “How far did you get on this worksheet?” If you notice he’s completed half, ask him, “It looks like you finished about half of the problems in X minutes. How much longer do you think you’ll need?” This will begin to develop that sense of time and what is a realistic amount of time to finish different assignments. It may also take him another 50 practice runs just like this until that sense of time begins to develop. But by the 51st time, your child may be able to say, “I think it’s going to take 15 minutes so it’s going to take 30 minutes. Whatever I think, I double it.” Setting the timer also gives your child a sense of beginning and end. For students who struggle to begin a task, this can motivate them to begin, and for the student who struggles to sustain attention to an assignment, this gives an end in sight. Setting the timer can also bring a sense of levity to homework in that the goal is to complete the assignment before the bell rings. For an assignment that requires a longer time to complete, set the timer for the duration of your child’s attention span. If she can work on one task for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes and go. Once the time is up, ask your child to walk away from her work area, set the timer for five minutes, and take a break. During that break, encourage your child to move around, engage in jumping jacks, or stare out the window, but do not engage in anything electronically based. Then, set the timer for another 30 minutes, and repeat this cycle until the assignment is completed. Try using any or all of these strategies at home, but introduce one at a time so as not to overwhelm your child. Once you introduce the strategy, don’t do it for them, but rather model how to do it so there is a level of ownership. For example, if you want to help your son plan the upcoming week, you can stand by the whiteboard but hand the red marker to him and ask, “Do you have anything in math coming up?” If he says yes, ask him to write it. You ask, he answers, he writes. To turn any of these strategies into a habit, practice the skill for two weeks at the very least, consistently. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, scrap it and try another strategy. It’s a journey but along the way, you will ultimately put your child in the driver’s seat. Liz Nissim-Matheis, Ph.D. , is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified School Psychologist in private practice in New Jersey. Find a Therapist Find a Treatment Center Find a Psychiatrist Find a Support Group Find Online Therapy International New Zealand South Africa Switzerland Asperger's Bipolar Disorder Chronic Pain Eating Disorders Passive Aggression Personality Goal Setting Positive Psychology Stopping Smoking Low Sexual Desire Relationships Child Development Self Tests NEW Therapy Center Diagnosis Dictionary Types of Therapy At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives. Emotional Intelligence Gaslighting Affective Forecasting Neuroscience Celebrating 25 Years Join ADDitude  |  What Is ADHD? The ADHD Brain ADHD Symptoms ADHD in Children ADHD in Adults ADHD in Women Find ADHD Specialists New! Symptom Checker ADHD Symptom Tests All Symptom Tests More in Mental Health Medication Reviews ADHD Medications Natural Remedies ADHD Therapies Managing Treatment Treating Your Child Behavior & Discipline School & Learning Teens with ADHD Positive Parenting Schedules & Routines Organizing Your Child Health & Nutrition More on ADHD Parenting Do I Have ADD? 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You know your child is smart and capable — which makes it extra frustrating when he delays starting a straightforward assignment, turns in work that’s incomplete, or forgets assignments altogether. Homework becomes a daily reminder of struggles and setbacks. Taskmaster Trouble When your child’s work doesn’t match up with his skills and intelligence, you might fall into the unrelenting role of “homework police.” As your child’s daily taskmaster, you’re nagging, poking, prodding, and cajoling on a nearly constant basis — which is awful for everyone. Micromanaging your child’s nightly workload won’t teach him any necessary life skills or help him learn. In fact, it’s likely to lead to resentment — and more homework fights in the long run! A Better Role for Parents “Strict supervisor” is not your only option. What you can (and should) do instead is set up routines and external structures that will help your child develop her executive functions and find the confidence to get her work done herself — without constant nagging . How can you do this? By providing guidance, offering support, and asking the right questions. Follow these scripts to get started on your healthier homework trajectory. [ Free Download: Top 5 Homework Frustrations — and Fixes for Each ] Script 1: Getting Organized Did your child struggle with organization last year? Many parents adopt a “wait and see” strategy each fall, hoping their child “learned his lesson” from past slip-ups. This is wishful thinking — but not particularly helpful or productive. Instead, set up structure before the school year starts — and tweak it as the year progresses, and your child’s needs and skills shift. Start with Transparency What not to do: Walk into your child’s room and say, “Listen, buddy, there’s a new sheriff in town!” Every good organization intervention begins with an open and honest conversation that’s positive and blame-free. Start by setting up a specific time to talk. Begin the dialogue calmly by saying something like, “Last year, we struggled with organization. I didn’t like nagging you all the time, and I’m sure you didn’t like it either. Let’s talk about some changes we can make this year to make it easier on both of us.” Organization Strategies We Love By actively soliciting your child’s input, you’re showing him that you understand his challenges and respect his autonomy. But you also need to suggest concrete changes that will actually help him get more organized. Following are a few of my favorites: 1. The Clean Sweep Set up a recurring time — say every Sunday at 7 PM — when everyone in the family cleans up together. Your child can organize his backpack, while Mom goes through the mail, and Dad organizes the mud room. Getting everyone in on the routine makes organization feel like less of a punishment for your child, and the external structure of the recurring appointment will help him build his executive functions and develop stronger organization habits. [ The ADHD Homework System We Swear By ] 2. The Homework Folder The homework folders that help younger children remember to turn in assignments are often phased out in middle school. But a homework folder is a great tool for kids of any age — particularly those with ADHD who lose assignments constantly. It works like this: every incoming assignment goes in the left side of the folder, and upon completion it’s immediately placed in the right side. There, it’s easy to find once it’s time to turn it in — no more crumpled math worksheets or frantic phone calls home! 3. The Launch Pad A launch pad is an area where your child can put everything she needs for school. This could be a box by the door or a set of hooks in the hallway or a special spot on the counter. Every night, before your child goes to sleep, help her get in the habit of putting everything she’ll need for school — backpack, shoes, jacket — on the launch pad. The next morning, there’s no scrambling; she simply picks up her stuff from its designated spot, and she’s ready for the school day! Script 2: Setting Up a Homework Routine “What’s the best time and place for kids to do homework?” I get this question a lot and the answer is not always satisfying: It really depends on where (and how) your child works best. Try setting up multiple designated homework places — the dining room table, a home office, or the local library — that your child can move between as she pleases. If your child struggles to stay focused while doing homework in her bedroom, open up your discussion by suggesting some personal exploration. “Let’s try some other homework stations this year and see where you feel most productive,” you might say. Encourage your child to be a “detective” and make a game out of finding where she works best — you’ll teach her the skill of self-examination, and show that you trust her judgment of what she needs to be successful. Helping Restless Kids If your child squirms in his seat or can’t stop getting up during homework time, do not admonish him. Instead, help him redirect that energy by allowing him to work standing up, lying down, or while holding a small fidget toy . Children with ADHD tend to fidget as a way to relieve an internal pressure; by releasing that pressure through small constructive movements, they can actually focus better and be more productive. In other words, don’t fight the fidget! Script 3: Getting Started Getting started is often the hardest part of homework. If your child dillies and dallies after school — maybe struggling to disengage from a video game, or getting up to sharpen her pencil over and over again — help her understand her priorities and give her the push she needs to get started. But instead of demanding, “Why haven’t you started your homework?” try asking, “What are your priorities today?” This question will help a child figure out what she has to do first — instead of getting overwhelmed and shutting down. Setting Up Structure Instead of asking, “Did you study for your science test?” — which often elicits a one-word answer — try asking this: “What’s the first thing you can do to get ready for your test on Thursday?” You’ll help your child think critically about what can and should be done, without letting him off the hook from studying altogether. Another good question is, “What could get in your way?” This way, if your child has an upcoming soccer game, or knows he left his textbook at school, he can anticipate problems ahead of time — and figure out strategies for working around them. Script 4: Estimating Time Your child insists that her diorama will only take 30 minutes to build; it ends up taking more than three hours. Children with ADHD don’t procrastinate and underestimate time on purpose. Their internal clocks are quiet or easily stalled, making it difficult to estimate time. If this sounds familiar, try asking your child at the outset, “How long do you think this will take?” Once he’s done with the assignment, discuss how long it actually took — and help him identify which steps slowed him down the most or caused him to exceed his estimate. Next time, ask him to factor in those trouble spots before he starts and, as time goes on, he’ll get better at estimating how much time he actually needs. Planning for Long-Term Assignments Daily work is one thing; long-term projects are daunting and confusing in their own special way. If your child struggles to break down big assignments, try creating external rewards to be doled out when he reaches small, pre-determined milestones. If your child likes baseball or Pokémon cards, for instance, try breaking a new pack of cards into four parts. Tell him, “When you finish the research for your paper, you can have one pile. When you finish your first draft, you can have the second” — and so on. Physical rewards help kids with ADHD turn the abstract concepts of time and prioritization into something concrete — and motivate them to get their work done. Script 5: Solving Procrastination Problems Kids with ADHD have a very short “time horizon” — that is, they don’t look far into the future. And the shorter your time horizon, the harder it is to plan ahead and set up long-term goals. If your child has a big project due on Friday, but insists, “Don’t worry — I don’t need to start until Thursday,” that’s a red flag. But starting on Monday will never work because that doesn’t sync up with her time horizon. So start small by asking, “How about you start on Wednesday instead?” and set up structures to help make that happen. Ask her what would help the most — guidance with the first step, a friendly reminder, and/or time carved out on the family calendar — to start that assignment on time. Talking Openly Verbalizing your child’s experiences and empathizing with his struggles goes a long way toward helping him manage procrastination. If your child is delaying homework time more than usual, try saying, “I can tell getting started is hard for you today. What can I do to help?” Instead of blaming and shaming — “You’re still on the first problem?! But you have violin practice in 20 minutes!” — this approach shows you understand that his brain is facing ADHD barriers. By identifying his feelings and brainstorming ways to help, he’ll be better equipped to set up his own systems. [ How to Focus After 4: Defying Homework Distractions ] Bonus Resources For more scripts, tips, and resources, visit Ann Dolin’s website, ectutoring.com ! Homework & Studying: Read These Next Top Webinars in ADDitude's History Top 25 Downloads from ADDitude’s First 25 Years Famous People with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & Other Learning Differences 21 Sensory Toys and SPD Exercises for Your Sensitive Child Adhd newsletter, success @ school, strategies for homework, accommodations, ieps, working with school & more.. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. 287 IMAGES 10 Homework & Study Tips For Kids With ADD/ADHD How to Get Homework Done Fast with ADHD Homework Help for Students With ADHD With ADHD Homework Can Be Tough: Here Are 3 Strategies For Success 5 Homework Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD Doing Homework When You Have ADHD Is Painful VIDEO Why video games engage ADHDers more than homework #adhd people with ADHD doing homework ADHD effect on homework be like when I do my homework (adhd) ADHD people go through this everyday Building Routines with ADHD COMMENTS Doing Homework When You Have ADHD Is Painful School & Learning. Homework & Studying. The Homework System That Really Works. ADHD and homework mix like oil and water. All of the little details — from writing down assignments to remembering due dates — require intense focus and memory. With these routines, teachers and parents can replace after-school tantrums with higher grades. 11 Study Tips for People with ADHD 1. Do a body check. "I always start with the body check," says ADHD coach and tutor Kit Savage. "You don't need to have a dedicated environment to study, like your bedroom or the kitchen ... ADHD Homework Helper: 13 Easy Study Skills Physical activity breaks. Accommodation for reduced homework. A reminder note or a timer to let the child know when it's time to start. Limiting homework time to an hour total, doing it in 10-minute bursts. Parent writes down child's responses to questions. Having a snack before starting homework. 10 Homework & Study Tips for Students with ADHD/ADD The bedroom is a place for sleep, rest, and relaxation — not work and stress. 2. Create a consistent schedule. It is important for kids with ADD/ADHD to have a consistent routine. This will help your child start his or her homework and focus. Set a time each day for your child to sit down and complete his or her work. 3. ADHD Homework Strategies: Study Smarter, Not Harder! When kids do homework, they should sip (not gulp) a drink with sugar in it, says Dr. Russell Barkley, Ph.D., author of Taking Charge of ADHD (#CommissionsEarned). Lemonade or sports drinks are good choices. These beverages deliver glucose to your brain, which is its only source of fuel. Tracking Homework Assignments: Why Students with ADHD Struggle This is true under normal circumstances. With the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals with ADHD may have thrived, while a large number struggled even more with completing schoolwork and homework assignments. Understanding why this pattern occurs can help you identify and implement strategies that more effectively assist your child or teenager ... Homework Help for ADHD Homework can be a source of frustration and difficulty particularly for students with ADHD. As a parent, you can help lessen that frustration by creating an organized and comfortable space within your home for your child to do homework. This might be a kitchen table, desk, or even a floor mat. The best space is… 7 Tips for College Students: How to Study With ADHD It can lead to greater self-determination and direction, reduced feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and increased self-confidence and self-sufficiency. 7. Manage Your Medication. One study found that only around 53% of college students with ADHD adhere to their medication plan. Poor medication adherence can have serious consequences ... 3 Homework Strategies for Teens With ADHD For an assignment that requires a longer time to complete, set the timer for the duration of your child's attention span. If she can work on one task for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes ... Homework Problems & ADHD? Unfortunately, homework problems also tend to be a leading cause of conflict and disagreement between parents and their children with ADHD. They often argue about what work teachers assigned, when work is due, and how much time and effort to devote to completing work and studying. Perhaps most frustrating is when parents spend hours working on ... Succeed in High School with ADHD: Homework, Organization ... These academic and organizational tips are designed to help high school students with ADHD finish homework, execute long-term projects, manage their time, earn high grades, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. With the simpler demands of middle school behind you, you'll need better study skills, time-management tools, and organization strategies ... My child has ADHD. How can I make homework easier? 8 Homework Strategies for the ADHD Student. Article at a Glance. ADHD means kids learn differently, so different strategies are needed. Counter-intuitive moves like more breaks, wearing headphones, or racing can help. Play to your child's strengths and be flexible within a consistent framework. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder ... 6 Ways to Improve Study Habits For Kids with ADHD 6 Ways a Child With ADHD Can Study Better. Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on March 13, 2024. Written by R. Morgan Griffin. 1. Set up a homework station. 2. Break up study time. 3. Stay ... Schoolwork at Home with ADHD Set a timer for 25 minutes. After the 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. After four "pomodoros" (or 25-minute chunks), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. There are several apps that help keep track of pomodoros, such as "PomoDone," "Focus Keeper," or "Marinara Timer.". For younger children, or teenagers with severe ADHD, this ... Tips on How to Focus With ADHD Work with someone you trust. Having someone who supports your efforts might help keep you on track during the day. Whether it's at work or at home, another person can help you be accountable for ... 7 reasons kids with ADHD often rush through homework Here are some of the most common reasons kids with ADHD race through their homework assignments. 1. Trouble holding on to information. Trouble with working memory can make it hard for kids with ADHD to keep information in mind as they do their homework. Instead of taking their time to think through their answers, they might scribble them out as ... How to Focus With ADHD In addition, regular meditation practice may increase focus and decrease stress. Do one task at a time: Focus on one task at a time at work. This reduces anxiety and nervousness surrounding completing all the daily tasks. Talk to others: If you feel comfortable sharing your condition with your community, this can help increase others' compassion. ADHD Homework Stress: How to Get Assignments Done Step 4: Designate a Homework Location. Create a dedicated and consistent homework location, in a quiet spot with good lighting, for homework to be done each day. Choose a location as free as possible from the kinds of visual distractions that cause ADHD minds to wander. Rule out television, screen time, or music with words during homework time. ADHD and Homework ADHD and Homework. Our eleven-year-old daughter, who has been diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD, has been doing better since she began treatment with stimulant medication. However, we still have trouble getting her organized around homework. We have tried setting up an office in her room, taking away all the distractions, keeping the area ... School Changes Transitions can be challenging for children with ADHD; they may need extra help getting ready, and more time getting used to new settings. Having to spend time doing schoolwork, homework, and family activities in the same space where parents may also have to do their own work can create additional stress for students and parents. How to Focus on Homework with ADHD Schedule a five-minute break for every 20 minutes of work. Short, frequent breaks help children with ADHD recharge. Respect your child's "saturation point.". If he's too tired or frustrated to finish his homework, let him stop. Write a note to the teacher explaining that he did as much as he could. 3 Homework Strategies for Teens With ADHD Once the time is up, ask your child to walk away from her work area, set the timer for five minutes, and take a break. During that break, encourage your child to move around, engage in jumping ... What it's like to work with ADHD It's a delicate balance of personal discipline, intentionality, open communication, prescription medicine and relentless, deranged positivity. The last ingredient seems so trite but is necessary ... Homework Problems? How to Motivate Kids with ADHD Script 4: Estimating Time. Your child insists that her diorama will only take 30 minutes to build; it ends up taking more than three hours. Children with ADHD don't procrastinate and underestimate time on purpose. Their internal clocks are quiet or easily stalled, making it difficult to estimate time. assignment essay homework phd report review speech thesis