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13 No-Excuses Homework Rules for Students with ADHD

Help your child succeed with tried-and-true rules, like taking away the cell phone and encouraging study breaks. make nightly homework a little more pleasant with these tips..

Sit with your child and talk through what needs to be done. Once she starts to work, you may fold laundry, knit, or read in the same room. At some point, she may ask you to leave. If so, go.

Get him moving.

Physical activity — walking on a treadmill or fiddling with pipe cleaners — increases alertness for mental activity. Encourage your student to walk around the house reading aloud from a book. Chances are, she will soon settle down and be able to focus on her work.

Use medication.

Talk with your doctor about prescribing a short-acting medication for after school. When medication is working, students stay focused and complete homework more quickly. They also tend to remember the material they studied.

Set the stage.

Make your child feel comfortable as he starts his homework. Have him wear comfortable clothes, and make the sure the environment doesn’t distract him. Some kids need a quiet room with no distractions, while others need a little background noise.

Make it fun.

Writing the definitions of 25 vocabulary words is boring. Turn it into a game. Post words and definitions around the house for your child to match. Have him jump on the trampoline while learning multiplication facts. Talk with his teacher about ways to make homework active.

[ Free Resource: Solve Your Child’s Homework Problems ]

Avoid interruptions.

Once the student begins homework, hold his telephone calls until break time or until homework is completed. You may have to take his cell phone away to keep him from texting.

Spice things up.

If a homework assignment is boring, play music or TV at low volume. For reading, break assignments into segments marked by colored paper clips. When the student reads as far as the clip, he can take a well-deserved break.

Skip missing information.

Students with ADHD often look for excuses to stop doing their homework. So if he needs information to answer a question, have him work around it, leaving a blank that can be filled in later that night or the next day.

Nag no more.

Ask your child how many reminders she’ll need to stay on task in order to finish an assignment. If she says she’ll need two reminders, stick to that number. When she’s off track, state that you are giving a friendly reminder and then walk away. At any point when you see that she’s doing the right thing, praise her diligence.

[ 10 Secrets to Studying Smarter with ADHD ]

Check for completion.

Rather than arguing with your child over the quality of the work he’s producing, hold him accountable only for completing the homework thoroughly. Leave the quality check to the teacher.

Help the right way.

If your child gets “stuck” from time to time when doing homework — solving a math problem, say — don’t do it for him. Ask your child if there are similar problems in his notes or if there’s an example in his textbook. This encourages problem-solving and self-reliance, and takes you out of the equation.

Take a break if no homework has been assigned.

Don’t require your child to study on those rare days when he doesn’t have anything to do. Use the time to have fun with your child. You will deepen family relationships and build his self-esteem.

Find a tutor.

If you find it hard to help your child with schoolwork, find someone who can. A junior or senior high school student may be ideal — and charge a modest fee — depending on the need and age of your child.

[ Scripts to End Every Homework Fight ]

Readers’ Choice: Best Tips For Homework

• 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
• A homework club/program with peers
• Breaking homework assignments into small pieces
• A reward after finishing homework
• Doing homework in the morning

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Homework Hacks for ADHD

• September 21, 2021

A hallmark symptom of ADHD can be the inability to focus on one task for an extended period of time. In the classroom, there is usually some structure and an end in sight with the sound of the bell. But bringing those same elements home can be more challenging. As your student, and maybe even you, settle into the school year, here are some quick tips for focusing when it comes time to complete homework. 

• Find a spot in your home that is solely for homework – this shouldn’t be the dining room table or in front of the television. If possible, keep pets in another room. 
• Play around with noise. Does your child thrive with white noise or music without lyrics or do they prefer silence? Do they need noise-cancelling headphones to tune out distractions? Try a couple options to see which works best. 
• If space allows, provide a variety of seating options. Maybe your student prefers reading on the floor but needs a desk for math homework. 
• Try color-coding each subject that your child studies and get a folder and notebook to match. This way notes and loose papers can stay together. For example, when it’s time to do science homework, your child knows to grab their green materials. This can also keep them organized in the classroom. 
• Similarly, students can organize their thoughts and work by using certain highlighters, pen colors, and page tabs. If it helps, notes taken in class and notes taken at home can also be written in different colors. Try out various techniques and select the colors and styles that work best.
• Teachers may assign homework in different formats, so make it a goal to capture assignments in one, centralized place. This could be a homework-only folder or binder, or a homework notebook with daily checklists. Getting assignments organized before beginning the work can make a big (and positive) difference. 
• Some experts in the study and management of ADHD recommend The Pomodoro Technique which breaks tasks up into manageable chunks of time. Set a timer for 25 minutes and, during that time, focus only on one task. Once the timer is up, take a five-minute break. Repeat this four times for a total of two hours then take a longer break. 
• Homework is hard, with or without ADHD. Praise your child when they accomplish a task and be specific with your language. Replace “Great work” with “I’m proud that you came back to that difficult math problem and worked until you found the answer.” This helps them know what they are doing well and how to continue their success. 
• If you are the student, celebrate yourself! 
• Everyone manages their ADHD differently. Do what makes you or your child the most productive, whether that means hitting the books immediately after school or taking a breather before tackling homework. Once you identify what works and develop a routine, homework will be a breeze.

If you think you have ADHD and want to know more about how to get diagnosed, we are here to help.

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Struggling to complete your homework : 10 ADHD friendly tips!

School , Youth March 21, 2022

Unlocking ADHD volunteer Vivien Loh writes about 10 easy tips that ADHDers can try out if they find it a struggle to concentrate and complete homework. 

ADHD students might often find themselves struggling to complete tasks and homework. Why so? ADHDers are interest-based learners, meaning, unless they’re excited about the homework they’re doing, it usually isn’t stimulating enough for their brains to keep them focused. As such, while doing homework, their brains often drift off and focus on something else more interesting. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are 10 tips that could help you: 

1. Create a study space

Find an area to complete your homework where other people won’t distract you. It’s important to organise this space, and make it your own so that it’s an area that’s fun to look at, further motivating you to start studying. You can add supplies you need, paste motivational quotes, play some soothing music and so much more! For example if you’re a person who’s an avid lover of nature, you can buy some plants to spruce up your study space. 

2. Challenge yourself 

Before starting, set a specific goal that you would like to achieve. It doesn’t have to be something long-term, it can be something daily, for example: completing 20 Science questions a day in a stipulated amount of time. Although setting goals and completing them bring a sense of satisfaction, ensure that the goals you set are attainable and realistic!

3. Create accountability 

Creating accountability is important because it ensures that you are keeping your progress in check, and meeting deadlines. This can come about in many different ways – for one, you could do daily challenges with a friend, and cheer each other on. Another effective method would be sticker charts, which also creates a sense of accomplishment. 

4. Break it into smaller pieces

Before starting to work on your assignments, divide them into smaller tasks. Each assignment looks daunting at first, but after breaking them down into more tangible, mini tasks, you’ll have more motivation to finish them all. This will also give you a better idea of how long you will take to complete each mini task, allowing you to have better time management. 

5. Add some movement 

Between assignments, give yourself short breaks, during which you can move about. Such movement releases neurotransmitters in your brain, in turn helping you with your focus. You could try using a fidget, pace around the room while reading, or even having short dance breaks.

6. Find a study buddy 

Studying with someone else adds accountability – you can check in on one another and motivate each other to keep going. In the event that you prefer to work on your own, there are many applications that make great study buddies on their own, such as Quizlet, Kahoot and Quia, just to name a few. 

7. Reward yourself for your effort 

Make the reward something you genuinely like, so that you’ll actually want to earn it. However, ensure that your reward isn’t accessible at all times, and to help with this, you can ask your parents to keep your reward away from you, and only give it back once your task is complete. 

8. Create a homework tracking system 

To make things less overwhelming, write down all your assignments. This helps you see how much work there really is as it’s penned down clearly, and not all in your head. You can write them down in a planner as well, so that at the same time, you can organise specific days to complete your homework. 

9. Don’t be afraid to mix it up 

Instead of doing 1 subject throughout your study session, try switching back and forth between 2-3 subjects to create variety. If you only have assignments from one subject, you can add in short 10-minute breaks into the mix, and do activities during this time such as colouring or playing an instrument. 

9. Respect your downtime 

Last but not least, don’t feel guilty when you’re taking a break. During exam seasons, it’s common to fall into the trap of feeling bad when you’re resting, but always remember that taking breaks is part of the process. Without them, your brain won’t have the ability to remember everything you’ve learnt. Respect your rest time, and fully relax during them so that you’re well-rested before your next study session! 

With the homework tips above, we hope that ADHDers will find doing homework less of a feat, and find success in completing homework and assignments on time. 

If you are looking for community support, join our ADHD support group or Discord chat !

(Content has been adapted from How to ADHD on Youtube, graphics by Cara. )  

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*DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Should you suspect that you have ADHD, consider seeking the advice of a trained healthcare professional with any questions you may have about your condition.

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Conquering Distractions: 11 Homework Tips for Students with ADHD

20 November, 2023

About 6 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. While children with ADHD are beyond capable of succeeding in school, many of them struggle. The challenges regarding focus and time management can be overwhelming.

If you’re the parent of a student with ADHD, you’ve likely seen them struggle. Even figuring out how to focus on homework with ADHD can seem like an overwhelming task. How can you help your child stay on track so they can thrive at school?

We’ve compiled a list of our top tips that can help you minimize distractions and make the most out of your child’s study time. Read on to learn more.

1. Create a Structured Routine

Routine is important for anyone, especially children. However, neurodivergent children (like those with ADHD) have an even more intense need for a structured routine. It helps keep them on task.

Establish a consistent daily routine for homework. Set specific times for starting and finishing, and try to stick to it. Routines provide a sense of predictability, and that predictability can help students with ADHD better manage their time.

At first, try to maintain the schedule even on days without homework. The designated “homework time” can be used for studying, independent work , reading, or other quiet activities. You want to keep up with the consistent schedule even when it isn’t 100% necessary.

Once the student is able to complete their work during the allotted time, you can start easing up on the schedule on days when it’s not necessary. If you notice that they’re starting to struggle again, revisit the strict and consistent schedule.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

People with ADHD often experience a type of “task paralysis.” Even if a task seems small and manageable to a neurotypical person, the person with ADHD may find it overwhelming (even if they’re more than capable of it). Something as small as writing an outline can feel like climbing a mountain without climbing gear, so they’ll procrastinate .

Break down larger assignments into smaller and more manageable tasks. This can make the workload seem less overwhelming and make it easier to stay focused on one task at a time. This way, the student won’t get too ahead of themself and try to focus on too many things at once.

For example, let’s revisit the outline. “Write an outline” is a somewhat complex task, so how can you simplify it? Consider all of the small steps that go into it and break them down into a checklist that looks something like this:

• Gather your writing materials
• Collect your research
• Collect your notes
• Brainstorm section themes or ideas
• Bulletpoint your ideas within each section
• Brainstorm a thesis based on those ideas

These smaller tasks are far easier to address one by one.

Speaking of breaking down tasks, try to identify the most important tasks and prioritize them. Tackling high-priority assignments first can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce anxiety about looming deadlines. In other words, conquering today’s homework should come before working on the assignment due in two weeks (and it’s likely much easier, so the student will feel accomplished).

3. Use a Planner or Organizer

Planners and organizers can be game-changing for students with ADHD. Unfortunately, those students are also the ones who struggle the most to use those tools! It takes some amount of focus to even use a planner, but it’s worth it.

Keep a physical planner or use digital tools to help organize assignments, due dates, and important tasks. In many cases, a physical planner is best. Writing in a physical planner is a mindful activity and the physical act of writing may help students remember things better.

That said, a digital planner is better than no planner at all. For some people, the notifications are far more helpful than the tactile sensation of writing. Students should, ideally, try both methods and see what works best for them.

This can help in planning and prioritizing work, reducing the likelihood of forgetting assignments. Make sure the student gets in the habit of writing everything down, no matter how small. Every task, event, and activity should go in the planner while the student is getting in the habit of using it.

4. Designate a Dedicated Study Space

This is crucial. Students, especially those with ADHD, can really benefit from having a special study space. No more doing homework in bed or on the couch if the student is struggling to stay on task.

A special study room or office is best, but this isn’t an option for everyone. If you live in a smaller home, you may need to settle for a study corner. Even a small desk with everything the student needs to complete their tasks is enough.

Create a quiet and organized study environment free from distractions. This space should be associated specifically with work to help trigger a focused mindset. When the student sits down, they’re in work mode.

School supplies should be at arm’s reach so the student doesn’t have to go wandering. The area should be pleasant, but not distracting. This should be a relatively quiet space (unless the student fares better with background noise).

5. Take Regular Breaks

Sitting down for long periods of time working on a single task can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for students with ADHD. After a certain point, focus just disappears. Taking breaks is crucial, and while it may seem distracting, it can actually help the student stay on task.

Incorporate short breaks into study sessions. Short, frequent breaks can help manage restlessness and maintain concentration. Use a timer to remind the student to take breaks and return to tasks.

Work in short, focused bursts using the Pomodoro Technique . Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, take a longer break.

If that particular technique doesn’t work, try different intervals until something “clicks.” During those breaks, the student can do whatever they like as long as it doesn’t exceed the break time. Movement breaks (more on that later), game breaks, or even just quick naps during longer breaks are all valid options.

6. Use Visual Aids and Timers

Sometimes people with ADHD have a hard time conceptualizing things. Visual aids can help them with that.

Visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, or color-coded notes, can help with organization and understanding concepts. Timers can be used to create a sense of urgency and structure for tasks.

These are all little things that are easy enough to modify for each individual student. Even a visual schedule with whiteboard markers and magnets can be great.

Try a variety of different visual aids until one “sticks.” You may have to cycle through them if one stops being effective.

7. Incorporate Movement

Let’s talk about movement. Many people with ADHD benefit from movement of some kind when they’re trying to focus. To onlookers, they seem fidgety and distracted, but they’re actually trying to improve their focus.

Allow for movement breaks during study sessions. Activities like stretching, walking, or fidgeting with a stress ball can help release excess energy and improve focus. Even a brief “workout session” in the middle of homework time (like some jumping jacks or a short run) can make a big difference in the student’s focus when they return to their work.

You can also incorporate movement during study sessions, not just during the breaks. Fidget toys or workout tools that can fit under a desk (such as a walking pad or an under-desk cycling machine) can work well for this. Students can continue working while also getting rid of some of that extra energy.

Even small forms of movement, like chewing gum, can help with focus. Don’t expect your child to sit still while they work. It won’t automatically mean that they’re learning better or working harder.

8. Establish a Reward System

Who doesn’t love a reward? Reward systems offer positive reinforcement for good behavior. In this case, that behavior is completing tasks. Associate those tasks with nice things.

Offer the student small rewards after finishing specific assignments or reaching certain milestones. You can start with the small “mini-tasks” that we discussed earlier. When you first start establishing the reward system, you can even reward behaviors like getting school supplies together or writing something down in the planner.

As the student becomes more organized, you can start focusing on the larger tasks. You can also offer different levels of rewards. Perhaps small tasks get rewards like stickers or candies while larger tasks could have small monetary rewards.

You can also have the rewards stack up by using a point system. This way you can focus more on larger rewards and the child learns how to delay their gratification for a larger reward in the future. Delayed gratification is something that many people with ADHD struggle with.

9. Use Focus Tools and Apps

Consider encouraging the use of tools and apps designed to improve focus and productivity. Some apps offer features like task management, time tracking, and reminders.

This can be challenging as many children with ADHD can go a bit overboard when it comes to their digital devices . If you think they’ll be too distracting, you may want to focus on other methods and ideas for now until the student is better at managing their own time.

To avoid this problem, you can focus on apps that limit the student’s devices. There are apps that make phones and computers unusable within certain time blocks or only allows the use of certain things (such as Microsoft Word or other study-friendly tools).

Eventually, you want the student to be able to limit their own technology use while they’re studying, but adding some programs like this can certainly help.

10. Avoid Unnecessary Distractions

How many distractions are surrounding your child when they’re trying to get their work done? Try to see things from their perspective.

Where is their study area? If it’s in front of a window, is it somewhere they can see other kids playing outside while they’re stuck inside working? Is it too close to the television or other devices, enough so that they can watch from their desk?

How about their small devices? Where is their phone when they’re working? Can they see or hear any video game consoles while they’re trying to do their homework? If they have toys, are they near enough to play with?

You want to minimize any and all distractions within the study space. Remember that kids with ADHD often struggle with delaying gratification, so even if they know and understand that they shouldn’t be playing with anything until they’re done with their work or on a break, they may struggle to stick with that.

11. Seek Support

Your child doesn’t have to deal with their ADHD alone. With proper support, they can thrive in the classroom.

Communicate with teachers about any challenges and discuss possible accommodations or support for the student with ADHD. Having a support system can make the learning environment more conducive to focus.

Consider ADHD coaching or extra tutoring. A coach or tutor can help the student gain ADHD-friendly study skills and executive functioning skills for students that will make homework time far easier and more productive. That extra boost can make a big difference.

Always remember to use your resources. The more people you have in your student’s “corner,” the better.

That’s How to Focus on Homework With ADHD

Learning how to focus on homework with ADHD can be a huge challenge. These tips can help you help your child so they can improve their study skills, get better scores on homework, and thrive in school.

ADHD can make doing homework harder, but with the right resources and support, there’s no reason that a student with ADHD can’t succeed.

We want to offer that support. At Peak Academic Coaching, we help students develop executive functioning skills for ADHD so they can do their best in school. Reach out to us today to get more info so your child can start with one of our coaches!

Get Started Today

To learn more about the programs offered by Peak Academic Coaching, visit our Academic Coaching and Executive Functioning Skills Coach pages. We also specialize in academic coaching for students with ADHD .

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With ADHD Homework Can Be Tough: Here Are 3 Strategies For Success

If your child has ADHD, it goes without saying that you’re committed to helping them become successful and resilient, and overcome their academic challenges.

But on average, students with ADHD say that 80% of their interactions at school are negative ones.

Whether that’s because of how they feel about themselves, their surroundings, their peers, or just school in general… it means they spend the majority of their day feeling negative.

And there’s one issue in particular where this negativity tends to manifest itself most: homework .

With ADHD, homework can become a real struggle. But what we also know, is that it’s not a problem that can’t be overcome if we take the right steps.

In our opinion, there are three keys to success for students with ADHD:

• Know how ADHD manifests itself in your child
• Be the “Charismatic Adult”
• Set them up now with healthy homework and study habits

And in this post, we’ll cover different ways ADHD manifests itself and approaches to homework and studying that will help get them moving in the right direction and turn a negative school experience into a positive one.

1. Know how ADHD manifests itself in your child

It is essential to know how ADHD affects your child before you can choose the best approach to help them succeed academically.

More often than not you hear ADHD and you think of disruption. However, that is not always the case, especially when it comes to girls. Girls with ADHD may actually tend to be more shy and withdrawn. This is because when their minds wander away from the task at hand, they’re more inclined not to want you to know they’re not paying attention. As an avoidance strategy, it’s more straightforward to stay quiet.

Alternatively, with boys (generally speaking of course) the research shows they tend to manifest their ADHD symptoms more externally , whether through running around, interrupting vocally, or actively misbehaving. But it would also be a mistake to characterize all boys with ADHD in this way because there are many who don’t exhibit this behavior.

The bottom line is this:

Every case is different. You know your child. So it’s essential to try to best understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to schoolwork to determine which strategies are appropriate , and which don’t seem relevant.

2. Be the “Charismatic Adult”

Studies show the number one differentiator between students with behavioral, attention, or learning disorders who succeed and those who do not is the presence of a “charismatic adult’ in their life. As psychologist and researcher Julius Segal notes:

“From studies conducted around the world, researchers have distilled a number of factors that enable such children of misfortune to beat the heavy odds against them. One factor turns out to be the presence in their lives of a charismatic adult– a person with whom they identify and from whom they gather strength.”

Reflect on your own experiences…

How did you get to where you are today both personally and professionally? Did you have a charismatic adult in your life who encouraged and believed in you?

Being this figure in a child’s life does not mean being Mother Theresa, but it does require taking an interest in the child and their strengths rather than focusing on his or her shortcomings . And when mistakes and failures do happen, it means helping them work through them constructively so that they walk away from the situation knowing more than they did before and feeling positive about the experience.

3. Set them up now with healthy homework and study habits

You’ve heard them all before…

“It’s so booorrrrring…”

“I don’t have any homework.”

“I’ll start after I finish my video game.”

For most kids with ADHD homework and studying is filled with dread and excuses, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break it down by topic so we can really hone in on how to help develop these essential habits that will carry them to success now, and later in their academic careers.

ADHD and Procrastination

Your child constantly procrastinates, even after dozens of reminders. How can you get him more excited about homework and completing it earlier?

Step 1: Have a predictable schedule

Allow a thirty-minute break after school before getting started on homework. When kids know what to expect they are less likely to procrastinate.

Step 2: Consider the “Tolerable 10”

Set a timer for just 10 minutes and encourage them to work as hard as they can until the time runs out. This helps give them a push to get started, and after the 10 minutes is up, they can either take a short break or continue for another round.

ADHD and Time Management

Time management is the enemy of kids with ADHD. Your child is smart, but when it comes to completing assignments, they can take hours longer than the instructor intended. How do you help them minimize distractions and encourage productivity?

Step 1: Make a game plan

Break homework or projects into smaller more manageable tasks. Check-in, in and make a big deal when he’s accomplished one or a set of tasks. For many kids, time is too abstract of a concept. Consider using candy or baseball cards and letting him know he’ll be rewarded when the task is complete.

Step 2: Help prioritize

Ask what they will do first to help them get started. Make sure they understand the directions and can do the work. Then, let him go at it alone but stay close by so you can help if needed.

Step 3: Use a timer Once you have broken up the assignment into more manageable pieces and helped prioritize their work, set a timer and encourage them to work in short spurts (see the “Tolerable 10” above). Then slowly make the time longer, but never more than 30 minutes.

ADHD and Missing Assignments and Instruction

Either they miss the teacher’s instructions, forget homework and books, or sometimes just ignore assignments entirely. How do you ensure homework and assignments are getting done without seeming overbearing ?

Step 1: Trust but verify

Set expectations, rewards, and consequences for completing homework and assignments. Then verify with an online grading portal if one is available. Communicate with teachers if necessary, but always do this with your child so that they’re involved in the process.

Step 2: Tie privileges to effort

Link things like screen time and hanging out with friends to the amount of time spent studying and doing homework, rather than outcomes like grades. Kids can see the direct correlation between working and learning, and a benefit… rather than feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting better grades, when they may not know exactly how.

Step 3: Talk to teachers about emailing assignments and homework

Kids with ADHD and executive dysfunction may benefit from having the option to submit homework online or through email. They can focus on one thing at a time, and submit it right then and there, rather than having to manage to organize it, and bringing it to school and turn it in.

ADHD and Distractions

Pulling your child back into study mode from a break or video games seems near impossible. So how do you pull them away from those distractions and focus on homework?

Step 1: Put a limit on breaks

Kids may need a break after a long school day. For elementary-aged kids, a 30-minute break after school should do the trick. Older kids may need more time to “chill” after school is out, but ideally, assignments and studying should start before dinner time. Use this to have them indulge in their break time, while still setting boundaries.

Step 2: Control screen time

Limit breaks to outdoor activities or things that don’t involve a screen. Video games and social media are specifically designed addictive and hard to detach from. So allow a mental break, but don’t let them make things harder on themselves than they need to be by getting wrapped up in something that’s hard to pull away from.

ADHD and Homework: What’s next?

Now, after all of this you may be asking yourself:

“If I do all of this will my child eventually be ready for college and academic independence?”

The best way to ensure your child will be ready for the independence they crave is to back off slowly, but stay supportive.

Set up weekly meetings, maybe every Sunday before the school week starts, and discuss upcoming assignments and offer support. You’ve guided them through this far, and it is time to let them take the wheel… just make sure they don’t head off in the wrong direction.

If you would like to discuss how one-to-one tutoring or executive function coaching could help your child, we invite you to schedule a time to speak with one of our education specialists by clicking below.

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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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How to Identify and Diagnose Adult ADHD

The signs and symptoms of adult ADHD can be hard to spot. This makes awareness and diagnosis important for people struggling with the condition. Britt Holmes, PsyD , an ADHD assessment expert at University of Utah Health and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, offers her advice on when and how to seek medical advice, the role of psychological assessments, and the misconceptions that may delay diagnosis and treatment.

Episode Transcript

Interviewer: For people who may suspect that they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the path to recognizing it and diagnosing it in adulthood can often be filled with challenges. Today, we're uncovering some of the steps and the struggles and triumphs that are involved in getting diagnosed with adult ADHD.

We're joined by Doctor of Psychology Britt Holmes , with University of Utah Health and Huntsman Mental Health Institute and an expert in the field of ADHD assessment.

Now, Dr. Holmes, what are some of the key symptoms that a patient might be experiencing that might warrant further investigation and maybe even a diagnosis of ADHD?

Recognizing Adult ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis

Dr. Holmes: For an adult with concern for ADHD, some of the most prominent symptoms will be things that the person experiences internally: becoming easily distracted, having trouble paying attention, having trouble following through with a task or activity, spacing out during a conversation.

Some may be more evident to others, like if you can't finish a task at work, for example, or you're very fidgety, or you interrupt other people or blurt things out.

If you're someone who may have noticed some of the problems with inattention or getting easily distracted yourself, or then if you also have others in your life who are noticing some of these outward signs, those may be situations to consider whether that is actually a disorder, a condition, or then the other question, is that a result of life stress or day-to-day situations where we may have more or less trouble with those things.

Diagnostic Process for Adult ADHD

Interviewer: So if a person or a listener maybe suspects they might have something like this, they're experiencing some of these symptoms, what is that journey to diagnosis? Where does it start, and how do you get to that final step?

Dr. Holmes: I think the first step is speaking with your doctor. If you already have a mental health provider, you're seeing a therapist, a psychiatrist, or a nurse practitioner, that is where I would start.

If not, I would start with a primary care doctor and say these are the symptoms that you notice or the things that are causing you challenges. Coming to your healthcare provider with a list of the symptoms you notice, when they're causing problems, what makes them better or worse, that's going to be really crucial information for them in helping determine, "Is this actually a disorder? Is there a life stress cause? Is this ADHD or is it something else?"

They'll also be considering things like the possibility of a sleep problem causing inattention. We all have more trouble paying attention when we haven't gotten a good night's sleep. If we're stressed about something, if we have pain, if we have a medical condition that's causing pain, that can make it very difficult to pay attention too.

And so considering those pieces will be very important for your doctor or therapist in exploring the possibility of ADHD.

They may have someone complete different checklists or forms that rate their symptoms. Often, it's on a scale of 1 to 4, how common the person experiences that.

Some of those may be asking questions about childhood. So it's really helpful if you can provide any information about whether you had these problems growing up.

Maybe you even have teachers who made comments to your parents and your parents can provide that information. "Yes, teachers were always saying that you had these difficulties, or you struggled in certain subjects because you couldn't pay attention." That is all very, very helpful to look at the possibility of ADHD and differentiate it from other conditions. 

The final step that isn't always needed, but sometimes can be helpful, would be getting a formal assessment, doing neuropsychological tests that are aimed at looking at attention or memory, and your overall cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

It's not necessary for most people, and it does take a while to do. Often there are long waitlists, but in some cases, that's a necessary part to help determine if someone may have ADHD. 

Common Barriers to Diagnosis: Misconceptions and Challenges

Interviewer: Got you. So you start your conversation with one of your providers and there are a lot of different steps. And again, you don't need that formal assessment necessarily.

But when you're trying to get a diagnosis as an adult, sometimes there can be misconceptions, challenges, and certain barriers that can stop a person from actually getting the diagnosis that could get them the help they need. What are some of these barriers and what are some of the ways we can maybe overcome them?

Dr. Holmes: I think the number one barrier is that there are providers who believe that certain tests or assessments are mandatory to make a diagnosis. It's a common misconception, but it can lead people to end up on a lengthy waitlist before they can get even a diagnosis, and then often they're waiting after that to get treatment.

I understand the hesitance of some providers. They don't want to prescribe certain medicines unless they're absolutely sure. Mental health providers, because they have more expertise in general, are going to feel more confident in a diagnosis without extra testing than a primary care provider.

Costs can be a factor. Some insurances will cover certain types of assessments or visits with your doctors, but not others. They may cover certain medications and not others for barriers to treatment. 

Self-Advocacy and Seeking Second Opinions

Interviewer: As a patient, sometimes it feels strange when a doctor tells you one thing, but maybe your research says otherwise. I mean, what role does, say, self-advocacy kind of play when we are talking about getting the diagnosis and treatment that you need?

Dr. Holmes: I do think it's important to advocate for yourself as a patient in any situation in which you're feeling you have a problem and you may feel dismissed. Maybe the doctor isn't as familiar with adult ADHD. And so getting a second opinion in that case may be really helpful.

If a doctor doesn't feel that it's ADHD and it isn't, and that doctor is providing an accurate, comprehensive diagnosis, they're talking with you about all your symptoms, they're really hearing you try to sort through this, that doctor should also be explaining the reasoning. 

And so if you feel that you are not getting kind of as much information about why the doctor does not think that this is ADHD, I think it's important to advocate for yourself and ask those questions to better understand.

Maybe the doctor is saying your depression is actually the cause of attention problems. Depression can mimic ADHD. We see fidgeting with depression sometimes. We see trouble concentrating. Anxiety, maybe your doctor says it's that you have anxiety. You have a different condition, and that's the root cause. I'd mentioned sleep. You have a sleep problem, something else.

But it's important for you to understand that reasoning, and so I would ask for that. Ultimately, if you feel what the doctor was explaining didn't make sense to you, or you felt that they maybe didn't actually hear all of the concerns that you had, maybe they didn't understand it the way you do, seeing a second provider to get a second opinion may be a good idea.

Post-Diagnosis: Exploring Treatment Options and Next Steps

Interviewer: So now the patient has got their diagnosis. What's next?

Dr. Holmes: I think it's very different for different people. Some people want to pursue some type of treatment. That might be consideration of medicines, and they would want to talk with their doctor, whether that's the primary care doctor or someone who's a psychiatric specialist, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner.

Some people might be more interested in therapy to learn techniques to manage ADHD. That could be done one-on-one with a therapist or in a group, and that can be more helpful.

And I recommend thinking through those things or talking with a professional, even if someone wants to talk about medicine, because many of those strategies and techniques will be helpful even with a medicine that may also provide benefit.

For some people, the next step would be getting accommodations in school or work if needed. Maybe they don't want to do other types of interventions, but having that diagnosis then means that they're able to access more resources or more accommodations.

But I do think it's very dependent on the individual what feels best for them. How problematic is ADHD for that person in that stage of life? Maybe they only need certain interventions at certain times, so you have to kind of think through what would be most impactful for you and choose from those options to look at interventions. 

Resources and Support for Adult ADHD

Interviewer: Now, for that adult who maybe is curious about getting a diagnosis, or maybe even someone who has just freshly, newly got their diagnosis, what resources or support is available for them to get more information?

Dr. Holmes: I would encourage people to focus on getting resources from places that are research-focused or based. So the National Institute of Health or the CDC has information both about the diagnosis of ADHD and some about treatment. I would say maybe less on treatment, but it's a good place to start. ADD.org also has fairly reliable information about ADHD and some ideas for interventions. 

Many people look to social media for tips and tricks to manage ADHD. I definitely caution against relying too much on social media because there's misinformation out there. There's a lot of misinformation.

On the other hand, if you happen to see someone say, "I have ADHD and this works for me," and it's kind of a daily life hack that's not going to cause a problem for you to test drive, there's no reason not to. What works for one person might work for someone else. Just always take anything you see on social media with a grain of salt.

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Mom-Tested Tips for Ending Homework Battles

Posted: August 27, 2023 | Last updated: August 27, 2023

Back-to-school season means a return to making lunches, signing field trip permission slips, planning for 127 different spirit day outfits, and having to face the prospect of taming the homework beast once again. Although some experts think homework shouldn't exist at all, the truth is that most kids will face reading logs, worksheets, and book reports at some point in the near future. For some kids (and their VERY lucky parents), getting homework done is a "no drama for their mama" situation.

For other kids, on the other hand, the struggle is all too real.

There are lots of reasons homework can become a battle, so we are super grateful for the advice of other moms who've figured out how to end those fights before they start. Read on for some genius tips, including knowing when to call it quits and when to get some help.

More from CafeMom: Utah Middle School Faces Backlash Over Forcing Kids To Eat Bugs for Assignment

Different Kids, Different Needs

"My best advice is to remember what works for one kid might not work for the other. My son has always wanted to come home and do homework right away so he can get it over with and have the rest of the day to play. I learned the hard way that it is MELTDOWN CITY if my daughter doesn’t get a snack and some play time before she has to do homework. Set them up for success by figuring out what time of the afternoon/evening is best for them." – Martha D., Iowa

"Homework was so awful with my son. Like, it was taking him almost two hours to do basically two 3rd grade workbook pages and 20 minutes of reading and I was yelling, he was crying. It felt like ‘wait, this shouldn’t be so hard’ and that was accurate.

"The homework challenge was the thing that kind of clued us in that there was something more going on. He eventually got diagnosed with a learning difference and ADHD, so I think my advice is to ask for help if the level of homework battle is just beyond normal." – Lara R., Colorado

Make a Cozy Space

"I made a little homework nook in our kitchen with all the supplies they might need, comfortable chairs, and some snacks that they can help themselves to. I feel like it helps to have a welcoming space, and I usually make dinner when they are doing homework, so I can get that done but still be close by if they need help." – Jenny N., California

Watch the Screens

"Ugh. My kid’s school has them do homework on their school iPads, which I HATE. Last year it was taking my 2nd grade son forever to get his homework done and staying up too late, not getting chores done because ‘I still have homework, Mom!’.

"I eventually clued in to the fact that he was only spending like 40 minutes on homework and the rest of the time was screwing around on the iPad. Now he has to do his homework in the dining room, so I can see that he’s actually doing it. He gets done in less than an hour now." – KayCee C., Minnesota

Do the Hardest Thing First

"My suggestion is sort of basic, but it works for us: do the least fun/hardest thing first. Have a snack, do something relaxing, and then tackle the hard thing first when the brain is fresher. A lot less of battle when the worst is out of the way first." – Annie P., Arizona

Ditch the Log

"Can we just, as parents, band together and put an end to freaking reading logs? For whatever reason, all of our homework battles were around reading logs. As someone who loves reading, I hated seeing how much having to log it sucked the joy out of reading for my kids. So I just told my kids we’ll skip them.

They still read every day but not having to log it took the pressure off. It’s second grade! Who cares if they don’t turn in a reading log! Let that stuff go!" – Sasha W., Washington

More from CafeMom: Mom Puts Entire Family on 'Screen Detox' & Daughter Has Already Jumped 5 Reading Levels

"I’m strict about screen time (even for my high school kids) and our rule is simple: no screens until homework is done. We’ve done this since day one of having homework and the kids just know that we don’t budge on it. Consistency of expectations is the key!” – Laura W., Michigan

Homework Isn't Everything

"One of the things that helps our family is having a clear sense of how important homework is to us. The truth is that, with kids who are still in elementary school, it isn’t that important to us. Outside playtime, doing Legos, having fun with friends is more important to their development than homework is. So, I make it optional: they can do it when they want, if they want." – Blake E., Colorado

Always Start With a Snack

"My parenting lightbulb moment was realizing that fully 90% of my kid's post-school meltdowns (including homework ones) were because she was STARVING after school. I've started packing car snacks for her to eat on the way home and it makes everything easier once we get there." – Jamie J., Arizona

Be Realistic About Time

"Sometimes you have to give your kids permission to skip homework. Like, for us we are crazy busy on Wednesdays. We have soccer and church and there's just not time to do it. If I try to rush my 8 and 10 year olds to get homework done, everyone just gets stressed and cranky. I told their teachers that we just don't do homework on Wednesdays and they were fine with it. Saved so many tears!" - Melody D., Minnesota

Practice With a Planner

"Every Sunday, my son (he's 16) and I sit down and do his planner. He needs that extra support to help figure out how to break down doing bigger projects and how far in advance to start studying. Remember that teenage brains aren't fully developed! They don't just automatically know how to do tasks like this! Help them build the habit now so they are ready to do on their own in college." – Amy S., California

More from CafeMom: 5 Essential Conversations Moms Need To Have With Their Teens

Ask the Teacher

"When my first kid started getting homework, we were struggling. It was taking him at least two hours to get through all of it. In 1st grade! Of course there were awful meltdowns. I just assumed that was normal until I mentioned it to another mom and she was like 'uh, it should be taking like 15 minutes ..'

"I finally talked to his teacher and she confirmed that she'd never want him to be spending two hours a day on homework. We figured out some strategies around it and it got better. My advice: talk to the teacher if every home sesh is a struggle or if it is taking hours a day." – Kelly C., Indiana

"First, unless you are a single mom, don't act like a single mom! Dads need to help with the homework BS too! When we are gearing up for a homework fight, sometimes it's best if I tag out and he takes over. Some fresh parenting energy can help." – Olivia T., Rhode Island

Make Reading Fun

"For early grades, the bulk of their homework time is probably going to be reading, so finding ways to make that fun is clutch. We take reading outside or in the hammock, or even at a park just to mix it up." – Melissa H., Texas

Set a Timer

"With my ADHD kid, we do the 20-10-20 method and it helps reduce the tension a lot. He has to do 20 minutes of homework, gets a 10 minute break, and then another 20 minutes. We use a timer and he knows he can do whatever he needs to do in those 10 minutes. We say 'Anyone can do anything for 20 minutes' and I think that's true!" – Alice S., Minnesota

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Executive Function

Can video games improve processing speed in children, how to help kids with adhd and slow processing speed..

Posted April 5, 2024 | Reviewed by Tyler Woods

• Slow processing speed impacts children at school, socially, and in problem-solving.
• Emerging neurotechnologies also have the potential to improve slow processing speed.
• Improving executive functioning skills can impact processing speed in children.

Slow processing speed impacts children in a variety of ways. Slow processing speed often has a dramatic impact on school performance and the capacity to keep up with peers. It can negatively impact self-esteem . Because it is so frequently misidentified, it can also cause children to develop oppositional tendencies with parents and teachers. Slow processing speed frequently presents itself as children’s difficulty completing schoolwork in a timely fashion, slow-moving behavior, or, conversely, haphazardly rushing through tasks. Longer homework assignments, particularly those that involve writing, are the genesis of frustration and oppositionalism.

The impact of slow processing speed on children has often been underestimated. Slow processing speed is poorly understood or misidentified by parents, educators, and, perhaps most importantly, children. Its impact on academic and social-emotional functioning needs to be better recognized. For example, many family conflicts around activities, such as homework completion or getting ready for school in the morning, are due to unrecognized slow processing speed. Children’s frustration and lack of awareness of their slow processing speed can impact motivation , self-esteem, sustained effort, and school performance. Resignation about keeping up with homework assignments and the demands for taking notes or finishing tests on time is common. Long-term effects of slow processing speed issues in childhood have been linked to depression and psychological distress in adulthood.

Other issues may exacerbate the struggles of children with slow processing speed, including anxiety about their performance, a sense of isolation from others, and trouble keeping up with the pace of peer interactions. Children with slow processing speed also tend to have difficulty with a variety of executive functioning skills, including problems with task initiation, planning, task persistence, and time management .

In a world where speed and efficiency are so highly valued, using video games and other emerging technologies as a tool to help children with slow processing speed is valuable. Studies of neuroplasticity suggest that modest improvements in processing speed are possible. Some of the more promising interventions to improve processing speed in children involve video games and other screen-based technologies. Thus far, the most compelling research has focused on older adults. In a series of studies conducted across six major universities, Posit Science reports that its brain training program, BrainHQ, increased the speed of verbal and visual processing in older adults. The organization reports that the results generalized beyond tasks measured in the study and that improvement continued to be observed in five- and ten-year follow-ups. Other research indicates how action video games can improve processing speed. One recent study suggested that video games that target visual perception functions associated with visual-motor integration can enhance the speed of processing.

However, a prescription of endless video game play to improve slow processing speed is not recommended. The available data suggests that modest improvements in slow processing speed can be achieved through targeted video gameplay. The application of other cognitive training techniques, along with appropriate accommodations, is a far better course of action.

Processing speed is a cognitive process where technology combined with targeted training would seem to make an ideal pair. If we were to look at a physical comparison to processing speed, we might look no further than a running track, where advances in technology, training, equipment, and assessment have all contributed to faster times across many events. These technologies have resulted in world records, but more importantly, they have also made track athletes of all skill levels faster. Similarly to the track, there are limits as to how much improvement in processing speed any person can make as a result of their use of training and technology.

Traditional interventions for children with slow processing speed and ADHD involve the use of accommodations and alternative teaching strategies. For the most part, educators do not make any effort to improve the speed of processing. Instead, these children frequently have 504 plans developed that include additional time to complete tasks, reduction in the amount of expected work, receiving instruction in smaller chunks, scribing or note-taking, and a focus on quality rather than quantity of work.

Until recently, these were the primary interventions to help children with slow processing speed. This approach was based on the aforementioned assumption that processing-speed capacities were fixed, rather than malleable. The science of neuroplasticity, along with the availability of neurotechnologies and productivity tools , has altered this perspective. Psychologists have also begun to examine how other types of interventions and techniques can improve slow processing speed in children with ADHD, including exercise, direct teaching of executive-functioning skills, and complementary skill development.

It’s time to get moving faster on developing new interventions for kids with slow processing speed. While using video games might be the preferred intervention for many kids, the application of common technologies, such as audiobooks for slow readers, dictation apps for slow writers, and apps for time management , can also improve slow processing speed. There is no reason that we should not use both appropriate accommodations and available technologies to support these kids.

Ahn, S. (2021). Combined effects of virtual reality and computer game-based cognitive therapy on the development of visual-motor integration in children with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study. Occupational Therapy International , 2021 , 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6696779

Cunha, F., Campos, S., Simões-Silva, V., Brugada-Ramentol, V., Sá-Moura, B., Jalali, H., Bozorgzadeh, A., & Trigueiro, M. J. (2023). The effect of a virtual reality based intervention on processing speed and working memory in individuals with ADHD—a pilot-study. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2023.1108060

Gale, C. R., Harris, A., & Deary, I. J. (2016). Reaction time and onset of psychological distress: The UK Health and Lifestyle Survey. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health , 70 (8), 813–817. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2015-206479

Simpson, T., Camfield, D., Pipingas, A., Macpherson, H., & Stough, C. (2012). Improved Processing Speed: Online Computer-based cognitive training in older adults. Educational Gerontology , 38 (7), 445–458. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2011.559858

Smith, G. E., Housen, P., Yaffe, K., Ruff, R., Kennison, R. F., Mahncke, H. W., & Zelinski, E. M. (2009). A cognitive training program based on principles of brain plasticity: Results from the improvement in memory with plasticity‐based Adaptive Cognitive training (IMPACT) study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(4), 594–603. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02167.x

Randy Kulman, Ph.D. , is a child clinical psychologist, parent of 5, and founder of LearningWorks for Kids. He is the author of Train Your Brain for Success and Playing Smarter in a Digital World .

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