Learning Strategies for Students with ADHD

ADHD can make it harder for kids to focus, finish work, and interact with others in school. This can affect how they learn and build friendships. According to the CDC, about 7 million children in the U.S. between ages 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While these challenges can feel overwhelming, the right strategies and support can help students with ADHD focus in school and succeed in life. Here are some learning strategies for students with ADHD.

1. Find a quiet space that is used for studying only. Having a designated study space will help your brain associate being in that space with focusing on schoolwork.

2. Study throughout the day in one hour sessions rather than several hours in the evening. It will be easier to focus on studying in small chunks rather than all at once.

3. Find your prime study time when you are most attentive and at your best. Some folks are morning people, and some find they can pay better attention in the afternoon or evening.

4. Figure out if you study better alone so you won’t get off track talking to others, or if you need others around to make studying more interesting and help you stay on track.

5. Use movement (reading, underlining, writing in margins, highlighting, stimulation, and conversation i.e. reciting information out loud) to stay alert while studying.

6. Keep your desk clear of mess. Less clutter on the outside will help with a cluttered mind as well.

7. Try not to procrastinate. It can be difficult, but these other tips may help you put schoolwork first and make it a priority.

8. Organize time with space for breaks, rest, exercise, social time, and meals. Making sure you have time to recharge and refuel will make your study time more productive.

9. Use a daily planner to write down all important tasks/activities for the day. This will help ensure you do not overlook or forget any assignments.

10. Be realistic about how long things will take and block off study time, lab work, library research, and writing time in daily planner. Build in extra room in case things take longer than planned.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services