adhd frustration with homework

Use Research-Based Strategies that Work

PROBLEMS WITH HOMEWORK COMPLETION are the most common and frustrating challenge faced by parents and teachers of children with ADHD. These children may perform well on tests but receive low or failing grades due to incomplete or missing assignments. Homework problems prevent students with ADHD from reaching their full academic potential and from displaying their true ability.

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 homework with their children, only to learn that the assignment was lost or misplaced and not turned in the next day.

Fortunately, the acknowledgement that homework is a major concern has led to a great deal of research on developing effective strategies to address homework problems. This article will review the strategies and some of the science supporting them. If you are interested in reading more about the research, including how these strategies were developed and tested, references are provided at the end.

STEP 1:  Choose one or two specific behaviors to work on.

The homework completion process is fairly complex. It requires students to use organization, time-management, and planning skills and to maintain focus and attention to complete work. Let’s take a minute to think about the specific steps a child has to complete to successfully turn in an assignment, with the goal of beginning to identify where you might want to focus your intervention efforts.

● First, the child has to know what was assigned in order to complete work. Sometimes, this information is provided online and therefore, this step does not cause problems. However, in many schools, children are required to write down homework in a planner when the teacher gives the information verbally or to copy the assignment off of the board. Many children with ADHD may forget to record the assignment or may purposefully avoid writing it down.

● Second, once children know what was assigned, they have to bring the necessary materials home to complete the work. This step is where organization of materials comes into play, as many children with ADHD have disorganized bookbags and binders which causes them to lose work or to leave materials at school or home.

● Third, children have to plan out when they are going to complete work, making sure that they leave adequate time to complete work carefully and don’t procrastinate. In other words, the child has to display time-management and planning skills.

● Finally, the child has to be able to sit and actually complete the work—and focusing attention for extended periods of time on academic tasks is incredibly challenging for children with ADHD.

Unfortunately, it is not feasible to address all potential homework problems at once, as doing so will lead to a complex system and unrealistic goals. It is important to start any homework intervention effort by picking one or two of the most problematic behaviors to focus on. This can be frustrating for parents and teachers as the pace of progress seems slow. However, taking on too much at once greatly increases the likelihood that the child will not be successful. When this happens, children lose motivation to pursue academic-related goals and may begin to have negative thoughts about their ability to be successful. For these reasons, it is critical that intervention efforts start small and build only when the child has had success.

STEP 2:  Clearly define what you want the child to do.

Once you have chosen what to focus on, it is critical that you define that behavior in the positive, clearly specifying what you want to see, rather than focusing on what you don’t want to see. When it comes to school, we often focus on the negative (disorganization, missing assignments, and procrastination), rather than being clear about what specific behaviors we would like the child to display.

Children with ADHD are frequently told that they are disorganized and procrastinate too often. Reiterating that message will not help them be successful. That said, defining what you want to see can be challenging. If you are focusing on organization, what does “get organized” mean? If you are focusing on time management, what does “you need to do a better job planning ahead” mean? Here are some examples to consider, but there are many additional options.

● For organization , you might specify that you want the child to “have no loose papers in their binder or book-bag” and that you want them to “use a homework folder and have only homework to be brought home or turned in located in that folder.”

● For time management , you might specify that you want your child to “write out a study plan for all tests.” You might specify that you want the study plan to include when the test is, when he or she will study, for how long, and using what method (such as flash cards, etc.).

● When addressing focus and attention during homework, consider defining what you want to see by setting work completion goals. It is challenging to define what it means to be on-task and focused. Instead, you could say that you would like to see the child “complete at least twenty problems in the next thirty minutes and get at least fifteen of them correct.”

The key here is that in each example, you can clearly determine whether or not the child complied and met the stated goal. In contrast, you can’t do that if you tell the child to “get more organized.” When you are not crystal clear about what you want to see, that vagueness often leads to conflict and disagreement about whether goals tasks were accomplished.

STEP 3:  Set a clear, realistic, and achievable goal.

Unfortunately, children with ADHD learn through experience that they often do not accomplish the goals adults set for them. This results in low motivation to try and reach future goals. The only way to combat this is to show children that this time is different, and that they can and will be successful. In order to do this, you need to take into consideration where the child is starting, or their current level of the behavior. For example, it is not reasonable to expect a child to go from recording homework for zero classes to recording homework accurately for all classes. Start small, with setting a goal of accurately recording for at least one class to help motivate the child by showing them that they can succeed. It is also important to set short-term goals (daily) rather than long-term goals (weekly or longer).

For example, let’s say you tell a child that if all homework assignments are recorded accurately during the week, the family will go out to dinner to celebrate. This seems reasonable, but a child who makes a mistake on the first or second day then has no motivation to continue trying the rest of the week (the goal is now out of reach). In contrast, if the goal is a daily (assignment recording is checked each day aft er school) and the child makes a mistake, you can simply respond, “Don’t worry about it, recording assignments can be difficult to remember, I am sure you will get them all tomorrow.” In this scenario, the child’s motivation to continue trying is hopefully maintained.

STEP 4:  Establish rewards if needed to help motivate the child.

As noted earlier, children with ADHD often struggle with motivation. This is partly the nature of the disorder, and partly learned life experience (“why try if experience tells me I will just fail”). When children lack internal motivation to meet goals set by parents and teachers, it can be important to make external rewards available, until the child sees that they can have success and internal motivation takes over.

These rewards don’t have to be material items that you buy. The best rewards are typically privileges children already have access to on a daily basis. For example, television or videogame time can be earned daily as a reward (for example, thirty minutes of screen time each day after school when at least three out of four assignments are recorded correctly).

Try to get creative with reward options. For example, the child could earn such privileges or activities as going to bed thirty minutes later than usual, being read to by a parent for an additional twenty minutes, choosing what is for dinner, or a get-out-of-walking-the-dog pass. It is important to be clear that material rewards are not always needed. Some children are motivated to achieve goals simply for the opportunity to receive verbal praise from parents and teachers.

FOUR STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL HOMEWORK INTERVENTION

1. Pick one or two specific homework behaviors to focus on first.

2. Carefully define what you want to see the child do.

3. Set clear, realistic, and achievable goals; short-term (daily) goals work best.

4. Identify a privilege-based reward that the child can earn for goal achievement.

ADDITIONAL READING

Gallagher, R., Abikoff, H.B., & Spira, E.G., Organizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD: An Empirically Supported Treatment . Guilford, 2014.

Langberg, J.M. Improving Children’s Homework, Organization, and Planning Skills (HOPS): A Parent’s Guide . Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists Publications, 2014.

Power, T.J., Karustis, J.L., & Habboushe, D.F. Homework Success for Children with ADHD: A Family–School Intervention Program . New York, NY: Guilford, 2001.

If you’re interested in reading research articles on the evaluation of the strategies, see:

Evans, S.W., Langberg, J.M., Schultz, B.K., Vaughn, A., Altaye, M., Marshall, S.A. & Zoromski, A.K., (2016). Evaluation of a school-based treatment program for young adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 84(1), 15-30.

Langberg, J. M., Dvorsky, M. R., Molitor, S. J., Bourchtein, E., Eddy, L. D., Smith, Z. R. . . . & Eadeh, H. M. (2018). Overcoming the research-to-practice gap: A randomized trial with two brief homework and organization interventions for students with ADHD as implemented by school mental health providers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 86(1), 39.

Merrill, B. M., Morrow, A. S., Altszuler, A. R., Macphee, F. L., Gnagy, E. M., Greiner, A. R., . . . & Pelham, W. E. (2017). Improving homework performance among children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85(2), 111.

Pfiffner, L. J., Rooney, M., Haack, L., Villodas, M., Delucchi, K., & McBurnett, K. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of a school-implemented school– home intervention for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and impairment. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 55(9), 762-770.

Power, T. J., Mautone, J. A., Soffer, S. L., Clarke, A. T., Marshall, S. A., Sharman, J., . . Jawad, A. F. (2012). A family-school intervention for children with ADHD: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 80, 611–623.

Sibley, M. H., Graziano, P. A., Kuriyan, A. B., Coxe, S., Pelham, W. E., Rodriguez, L. . . . & Ward, A. (2016). Parent–teen behavior therapy + motivational interviewing for adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 84(8), 699.

Joshua M. Langberg, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Virginia Common wealth University. At VCU, he directs the child/adolescent concentration of the clinical psychology program and the Promoting Adolescent School Success (PASS) research group, and co-directs the Center for ADHD Research, Service, and Education. He developed the Homework, Organization, and Planning Skills intervention and published the HOPS treatment manual and a companion guide for parents.

Other articles in this edition.

The Truth about ADHD and Lying

Brain Management as a Developmental Path

Understanding and Supporting Your Emerging Adult

Girl on Fire: Hope Is a Strategy

Failure to Launch: Treating It as a Process, Not a Failure

CBT & College Students

Still Distracted After All These Years

Why Does Sam Struggle with School Projects?

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A Child with ADHD Can Be Frustrated by Homework

• February 17, 2020
• , Resources , Tips

If your child has ADHD, you may feel a sense of dread or frustration at the mere mention of homework. Most likely, this is a challenging time in your household and you may not be sure why or how to handle it. 

Here’s why homework can be incredibly frustrating for children with ADHD , and how to handle it as a parent or aide. 

Why is Homework Frustrating for Children with ADHD?

First things first, why is homework such a challenging part of the day for children with ADHD? 

Issues Retaining Information 

Children with ADHD may have thoughts that race much more quickly than they can voice them. Meaning that they may have assignments that ask them to explain concepts, historic events, etc. While they may very well understand the task, it may be hard to organize and articulate their thoughts on the subject. 

Their responses may be incomplete or simply wrong because they are trying to get their thoughts down on paper as fast as possible. ADHD can also affect memory as well, so retaining information can be difficult overall. 

Feeling Defeated

If your child is not doing well in school to start with, homework can be another reminder of their struggles and cause them to lose confidence. They may believe that they won’t do well no matter how long they spend on their homework, which could cause them to rush or become very frustrated. 

Poor Time Management and Organization

Issues with both time management and organization can be common problems in kids with ADHD. When your child comes home with multiple homework assignments, they may not know how much time to spend on each assignment or how to plan out their evening of homework. 

Also, they may put all of their focus into one specific task and then not have the energy to handle any more work. 

Dealing with Developmental Disabilities 

Lastly, children with ADHD often have developmental disabilities as well, such as dyscalculia or dyslexia . Compounded, these can cause additional frustration, fatigue, and inability to complete the homework. 

How to Handle Homework Frustrations for Children with ADHD

Now let’s get into how to handle homework frustrations for those with ADHD. Here are our top suggestions. 

Choose the Best Time of Day for Homework

First things first, consider your child’s specific after-school routine and choose the best time to start homework based on their wants and needs. Some kids may do better by starting their assignments right after they get home. Other children may have an easier time after dinner, playtime, etc. 

Schedule Breaks

Either you or your child’s aide should stay nearby to monitor your child’s progress. If there is obvious frustration or distraction, it may be time for a break. To stick to a rigid schedule, consider creating specific break times to keep your child motivated. 

Consider a Reward System

If you utilize reward systems for your kid, it may be a good idea to consider this for homework time. Whether it’s additional TV time, a special meal, a sweet treat, etc. consider what motivates your child and have a discussion with them about what needs to be done to earn that reward. 

Listen to Your Child

Last but most importantly, make sure to communicate with your child about the issues they are having with homework specifically. Discuss what they think would make the process easier, and stay patient if they become overly frustrated. 

If the task becomes too overwhelming and you sense a meltdown or excessive frustration, it may be time for an additional break or conversation. Listening to your child will make all the difference when it comes to navigating a high-stress situation.

Looking for more resources on children with ADHD? We can help! Here is a great tool to get you started.

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Getting On Top of ADHD Homework: Strategies for Success

To effectively tackle homework with ADHD, it's crucial to create a structured and distraction-free environment. Implementing consistent schedules, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and using timers can significantly improve focus and productivity. These strategies, tailored to the unique challenges ADHD presents, are key to transforming homework from a daunting task into an achievable goal.

Alice Gendron

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Struggling with ADHD and Homework? Let's Work It Out Together

Have you ever felt that, no matter how hard you try , you just can’t seem to hand in your homework on time , or get completely overwhelmed by the workload ? Or maybe you’re like I was, you’d get it done - but 10 minutes before the class started.

It’s not just you. Many of us with ADHD struggle with our academic responsibilities , whether that’s homework or making it to class on time. Today we’ll suggest some practical strategies so that you can take back control of your education. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss:

• Why ADHD impacts our ability to complete homework.
• The common challenges faced by children, teenagers, or students with ADHD.
• Practical tips for improving focus, productivity, and time management .
• Plus, plenty of stories from my own school experience.

Let’s find out how to make homework time less daunting and more manageable.

ADHD and Why We Can’t Just ‘Try Harder’ with Our Homework

Homework is difficult for many people with ADHD. So if you’re struggling right now, just know that it’s not you - it may just be the neurodevelopmental condition you live with. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder with a long list of potential symptoms, each different for everyone. According to research, the most common symptoms typically originate from executive dysfunction . 

Our executive functions are the mental processes that help us plan, organize, and remember details . These executive functioning skills include working memory, flexible or critical thinking, and self-control.  

Sounds pretty useful for homework, right? 

Research shows that ADHD is linked to alterations in the early development of the brain, notably impacting areas like the prefrontal cortex , which is crucial for executive functions. This can explain why individuals with ADHD often find challenges with memory, organization, and time management , among other executive tasks.

That’s why we can’t just ‘try harder’ as teachers and parents may suggest. We need proper treatment and management strategies to support us, especially in these early school years. 

Does ADHD make it hard to do homework?

ADHD can make focusing on and managing homework tasks more challenging. Supportive strategies and structured help are essential for students with ADHD to successfully complete their assignments.

To put these struggles into context, let me tell you about my experience at school and beyond…

My Story of Homework & Undiagnosed ADHD

I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until I was 29, so my student years were difficult and confusing . I didn’t understand why I struggled with things like homework and lack of focus, while the other kids didn’t.

What I didn’t know was that my ADHD symptoms were affecting how I studied, interacted with people, and performed academically .

Homework was especially tricky because it relies on focus, time management, and organization - three things the ADHD mind doesn’t always allow for.

Sometimes, I’d be too busy daydreaming to even hear that there was homework (this was before many schools had online portals for this kind of thing). 

When I did know I had homework, I’d leave it unfinished until the day (or hour) it was due. I would do literally anything else. I loved to watch TV or play a video game, but I’d even do things I didn’t enjoy, like chores, just to avoid homework. It was pure procrastination .

And even when I was doing something fun, I couldn’t properly enjoy it with the guilt of not finishing my homework or coursework at the back of my mind.

I couldn’t get interested or motivated enough to do my homework until it was the last minute and the deadline was quickly approaching. Only then would I somehow get the extra energy I needed. 

Studying in general was a bit ‘hit or miss’. I had certain subjects I was more interested in, like art, music, or science, but ask me to solve math problems or watch a history documentary and I’d be watching the clock, waiting for lunch.

When I did sit down to work, it would often take me much, much longer to complete a task because I was constantly getting distracted or completely overwhelmed by the time pressure . Or I’d suddenly work at a superhuman speed (hyperfocus). It all depended on how interested I was.

Unfortunately, I experienced what many people with ADHD do: I was labeled ‘lazy’ or ‘wasting my potential’ . These things could be devastating to hear, especially when I was trying my hardest. Comments like these can quickly lead to low self-esteem and even develop into mental health disorders.

Instead of positive feedback and constructive criticism, we often get judged due to misunderstandings. It’s sad because ADHD students deserve proper support for the struggles they face every day, not judgment and labels.

Take our fun online quiz to visualize your ADHD traits and learn more about your brain!

Homework and its Most Common ADHD Challenges

The ADHD struggle with establishing and sticking to a homework routine is linked to a few key ADHD symptoms.

Now or Not Now: Procrastination & Time Management

It’s often said that people with ADHD have only two concepts of time: now and not now .

If you’ve ever watched someone with ADHD put off something for hours or days , only to rush through it the night before the deadline, you’ve seen this in action.

Procrastination is when a person decides to delay or avoid doing a task that needs to be done even though they could do it now . 

This delay usually results in more distress as you get closer to a deadline. Procrastination is also commonly associated with laziness by people who don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes of the ADHD brain.  

People assume we’re neglecting our responsibilities because we’d rather enjoy ourselves at the expense of our responsibilities like homework or after-school activities. But in reality, we often think about these tasks, even to the point of stress and anxiety, but just cannot start because our brains aren't ready to face them yet. 

For children, time management can be a struggle, especially with things they’re not interested in, like his or her homework. By rushing to get this done outside of homework hours and before the deadline, there’s a risk of careless mistakes and negative results.

Parents may need to help with their child’s time management. For example, offering homework help at a set time might help them create a routine. Otherwise, they’ll have to tackle it themselves, without your help.

Overwhelm and Lack of Emotional Control

Once you’ve finally overcome procrastination and have gathered enough willpower to sit down and tackle your homework assignments, you may meet your next obstacle: overwhelm . 

When faced with a big project, like coursework or an essay, we may immediately get overwhelmed before even thinking about what needs to be done. I get this now, even in a work environment. I automatically assume there’s too much to be done , and it’s not possible before the deadline , often leading to genuine (but temporary) panic.

This can spiral into an emotional outburst , especially if you’re easily frustrated or tend to put a lot of pressure on yourself academically. Due to people with ADHD typically suffering from emotional dysregulation, it can be hard to ground yourself in these moments. 

The trick here is to fully break down your homework assignments or projects into each step that needs to be done (e.g.: research x, write a persuasive title). For an essay, separate it into sections: title, angle, introduction, point 1, point 2, and conclusion. Create a plan first (as a separate task) to make sure it’s cohesive, then tackle each section individually.  

While your list may be longer, you can properly judge how quickly certain tasks can be completed , usually making it less overwhelming. 

Brain Fog, Distractions and Difficulties Focusing

You’re ready to work. You have everything broken down into actionable pieces. But then the brain fog sets in. Your mind gets clouded , your thoughts aren’t as clear as you need them to be. 

When completing tasks that require sustained mental effort (like most homework does), you need focus. The problem is when the ADHD brain simply doesn’t want to. Students with ADHD know how elusive focus can be . Even if you stick to a homework routine, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to focus enough for it to be worth it.

If you’ve ever tried to force yourself to focus when you’ve got brain fog, you know how exhausting it is. Often, for me, it leads to physical headaches and makes it difficult for me to think or function properly afterward. 

Sometimes you’re simply more prone to distractions than other times. This might be linked to the time of day, how much physical activity you’ve gotten, or how much mental energy you’ve already used. Some ways may increase your executive functioning (like physical activity), but you need to have them in your toolkit first.

Organizational Challenges: Losing or Forgetting Your Homework

Back at school, loose papers were my nemesis. If I didn’t lose them or leave them in the wrong exercise book, something would almost always happen to them. I can’t count the number of times I spilled a drink over something important (and the rest of my book bag). 

Forgetting homework is a big one . Imagine overcoming everything we’ve talked about above, only to leave your homework at home and get in trouble anyway. 

Do ADHD people get bored easier?

Yes, individuals with ADHD often require more stimulation, which can lead to quick boredom. Implementing engaging and varied activities can aid in sustaining their interest and focus.

Practical Tips for Improving Focus and Productivity as a Student

From early childhood through to adulthood, we can be students with ADHD at any age. That’s why we must find ways to make studying and homework-like tasks easier.

We know most children with ADHD prioritize tasks and activities that are interesting to them. So if the only time homework feels ‘easy’ is when we’re interested, how can we make homework and school time more exciting and see it in a positive light? It all starts with the right mindset and building good study habits. 

The first reminder I want to share with you is to be kind to yourself, always . ❤️ Remember that we struggle with our ADHD brains every day and are doing the best that we can. The most crucial part is that we should work with our brains and not against them .

Here are some other techniques that might help:

• Create a designated homework space that can accommodate all homework routines. It doesn't matter if it's a study table or kitchen table, as long as you can focus on doing your tasks. This space will help you focus on your homework and avoid distractions.
• Set the ambiance or mood that you are comfortable in working. Do you function well with no background noise, or are you okay working with white noise? Sometimes, these little details are essential to note because they can help increase your focus.
• Keep everything you need within reach . If school books are essential in doing   your homework, make sure the correct books are nearby. If you need to highlight specific phrases from your notes, make sure certain colored pens are at arms' reach or organized in front of you. Likewise, keeping distractions away can enforce focus and give better productivity.
• Establish a routine or schedule for homework time. This can help the mind get used to the activity and eventually minimize procrastination. Making a regular schedule for the school year, posted on a visible weekly calendar can remind you of the tasks that need to be finished.
• Break down big tasks into smaller and manageable chunks. This way, it won't look so daunting, and you can focus on one thing at a time. Dedicating a specific amount of time to each chunk can also help you stay on track, especially for uninteresting subjects that make your regular schedule challenging to accomplish.
• Taking breaks is essential and considered to be part of homework strategies. Break time can also minimize the effect of burnout. You can walk around, drink water, or do some stretching exercises during these times. Anything that can help you release the tension and give your eyes a break from staring at the screen 💻 or books for long periods. 
• Write down what's distracting you. This way, you can address the root cause of your distractions and find ways to avoid or minimize them. It can be a good idea to talk about this with someone who can help you so that they will be aware and give support when needed. Updating new routines to make things work can help achieve better focus and concentration.

If your child has ADHD and is struggling with their homework, remember to provide positive feedback when you see your child work at a reasonable time. Homework will struggle to hold your child’s attention, so you may need to provide extra help to create good study habits for your kid’s benefit.

If you haven’t already, it’s worth having an honest conversation with every teacher that works with your child to let them know that they might forget their homework sometimes, and not to be too hard on them, especially if they can bring it in the next day. I remember feeling so much shame from this, and many teachers simply didn’t understand. However, a positive, supportive learning environment can make all the difference to your child and their future success. 

Why do people with ADHD do well in school?

Students with ADHD can excel academically when their learning environment includes specialized support and resourceful strategies that align with their inventive and quick-thinking abilities.

Ace Your Homework with the ADHD-Friendly Pomodoro Technique! ✨

Tackling homework can feel overwhelming, especially for those with ADHD. Enter the Pomodoro Technique: a simple yet effective method that breaks homework into 25-minute focused sessions with 5-minute breaks to prevent burnout and boost productivity. 🍅

Set a timer for each session to maintain focus and enjoy short breaks to recharge, making homework less daunting and more doable. This structured approach enhances concentration and provides a sense of accomplishment as you progress through tasks. ⏱️

Try our free ADHD Pomodoro Timer - 4x25 minutes [Lofi - Chill🎵] video, designed to blend focus with relaxation, acting as your virtual study companion.  

Key Takeaways

• ADHD presents unique challenges such as difficulty with focus, time management, and organization , which can significantly impact homework habits.
• Procrastination is a common issue among individuals with ADHD, often misunderstood as laziness.
• Overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, and distractions further increase homework difficulties, leading to feelings of frustration and inadequacy.
• Practical tips for improving focus and productivity include creating a designated homework space , breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, and developing a routine to minimize procrastination.
• Remember to take breaks, address distractions, and practice self-compassion to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
• Parents and educators should provide understanding and support, avoiding judgment and fostering a positive learning environment.

There will be days when we can't seem to focus no matter how hard we try. And that's okay. Pushing too hard on ourselves will only lead to frustration and less productivity. School day and homework can be challenging, but we can get through it with the right mindset and strategies.

What’s Next?

If homework is something you or your child struggles with, you may also find these articles useful:

• Navigating Learning Challenges in Children with ADHD
• Strategies for Managing ADHD in School Settings
• Effective Strategies for Meeting Deadlines with Adult ADHD
• Staying Focused: Understanding & Overcoming Distractions With ADHD

Visualize and assess 25 ADHD traits and understand how they affect your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it usual for many people with adhd to struggle with their schoolwork and assignments.

Many children (and even adults) with ADHD truly struggle with homework. This is largely because of their symptoms, like getting easily distracted, experiencing sensory overload, and being unable to focus.

Why do many people with ADHD procrastinate?

Many students with ADHD procrastinate because they do not find the task interesting enough. However, please note that reasons for procrastination can vary. An ADHD or even a neurotypical person might procrastinate because they are tired, anxious about another thing, or not motivated well.

How can we boost our productivity when it comes to schoolwork?

The first step is to be kind to yourself. Please don’t associate your procrastination or inability to accomplish your tasks on time with laziness. Your ADHD brain just works differently. Next is to tackle the problem one step at a time. For instance, if you don’t do well with distractions, try to have a dedicated workspace where it’s quiet.

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Q: The Big Problem of Even Bigger Homework Meltdowns

You are exhausted by your teen’s resistance to homework — yelling, slamming doors, and refusing to take responsibility for assignments due. is there any hope for stemming the meltdowns and incentivizing your child to take ownership of homework done well — and on time.

Q: “Though we have a homework plan and agreed-upon schedule , when the time comes to get started my child has an epic meltdown — yelling, slamming doors, refusing to do the work. I’m exhausted by these daily battles and my child’s grades are suffering. I know homework is tougher for students with attention deficit disorder ( ADHD or ADD ) and some accommodations may be appropriate, but how do we move forward when my child’s reaction is so strong and so negative every single time homework comes up?”

Homework is complicated — for kids and adults — for very different reasons! While you may have a homework plan to which your kids have agreed in theory, a plan is only as good as a child’s ownership of it. So if kids are having meltdowns and refusing to do homework , it is more than likely that they have not actually bought into the plan.

That doesn’t necessarily mean your son doesn’t want to use the plan, though, or that he won’t in the future. It just means that there’s probably something else going on that is a more pressing problem .

[ Free Download: Evaluate Your Teen’s Emotional Control ]

Perhaps he has not bought in because it’s not his plan; or he’s afraid he can’t do it; or he wants to do it another way; or he just doesn’t see why he needs to do homework at all! The real problem is not yet clear, and therefore even the best homework plan may not be the right solution to address the underlying problem. This is extremely common. Very often, parents put in place solutions before getting really clear about the real problem they’re trying to address.

For example, a parent or school might decide that all students need to use a planner. But what if it’s not a great fit for your child? When the child does not come home with all of her assignments written somewhat legibly in the book, she gets in trouble — either at home or at school. But the real challenge actually has not been discussed — that the child needs an effective way to capture her homework assignments each day . More than likely, no one ever talked with her about what else she might try besides a planner. And so she’s getting in trouble for not using the planner, when in truth she’d do great checking in with a homework-buddy or taking a photo of the assignment on the board, or… you get the idea.

We get upset when kids don’t use the systems we put in place for them. But why should they? It’s usually not really their system!

Instead of starting with the solution, I encourage parents to back up and figure out what’s really going on. If your kids are having homework meltdowns, ask yourself this: “What is the underlying challenge?” You’ll likely find that your child doesn’t see or agree that it’s his job to do the homework. He’s gotten accustomed to relying on his parents to make sure it gets done, so homework is still the parents’ priority, not his. An effective solution to that problem is very different from creating a homework plan. Now, the goal is to focus on helping the child take ownership of his homework.

[ Free Webinar Replay: You’ve Got This! Motivating Teens Without Threats or Arguments ]

So how do you help a child take ownership ? Well, it’s definitely a more complicated question to answer, as it involves motivation and a number of other parenting approaches. But I’d suggest you start by getting a better understanding of what your child is actually resisting. It is fear of failure (“If I don’t do it, I don’t do it wrong” or “It doesn’t matter; I’m just going to do it wrong anyway”)? Or maybe fear of success (“If I do this, they’ll expect me to do it every day.”)? Is it boredom? Too difficult right after school when your child is exhausted? What is really going on?

Resistance is a clear sign that your child is struggling with something. You can’t help him learn to overcome it if you don’t understand the real problem. If you accept that the problem is NOT that your child won’t follow an agreed-upon homework plan, then you can focus on the real problem… and you’ll be several steps closer to an effective solution.

[ Step In or Step Back? How to Recognize (and Stop) Enabling ]

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The opinions and suggestions presented above are intended for your general knowledge only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your own or your child’s condition.

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ADHD Makes Homework A Nightmare: Parents Share Tips To Make It Manageable

Steph Bazzle

September 16, 2024

Let’s be honest right up front: doing homework while having ADHD is probably never going to be a picnic, nor is being the parent who has to force a child with ADHD through homework. It’s just not a joyous experience (though there may be moments of joy — savor those).

Experts have long said that homework can have negative effects on kids, especially when it’s piled on heavily and when other stress factors such as poverty, mental health struggles, developmental delays, or learning disorders are present. Some districts, schools, and individual teachers are moving away from a homework-based education model. Still, if your child is being assigned homework, his academic success (at least in terms of grades) may rely on finding a way to get through it.

Here are some of the tricks and tips students, parents, and experts are offering.

Can Your Child Do Homework In Motion?

I have one kid who prefers to listen to audiobooks while circling on a Hoverboard. If I ask questions afterward, I’ll find that he’s absorbed the material. When we were homeschooling, I also allowed the kids to play casual games on their phones or tablets while I read to them, just nothing that really involved their brains.

If your kid has homework he can do while moving, let him try it. It’s less likely to work for long division than chapter books, but even if part of the work can be done in motion, it may make sitting down for another part easier. (One Redditor suggested a bouncy chair or practicing spelling words while jumping on a trampoline.)

Experiment With Alternative Mediums

In one recent assignment, my kid switched from pencil for most of the writing to colorful markers for words that deserved emphasis. It made the work a little more interesting and made looking back for essential points easier. In our case, the teacher had no complaints, but you can always check in advance if you feel the need.

Other options include swapping paper books for ebooks (with text that can be resized as necessary) or audiobooks that can be listened to on the move (together in the car, through headphones in the park, etc) and adding manipulatives to math work.

Just Work On It For A Few Minutes

One Redditor said that setting a timer helps their kid. The rule is that you must focus on this assignment for ten minutes. If you spend ten minutes working without stopping to run and get a snack, check on the dog, or engage with other distractions, you’ll find yourself surprised at how much got done.

Agree on a reasonable amount of time to spend on homework and split it up appropriately between assignments. (If you agree that more than an hour and a half is excessive for his age, maybe he gets 20 minutes for his reading assignment and 35 each for math and science questions, for example.)

Decide that anything not done in that time — as long as he’s working during that time — is unimportant.

Let Your Kid Have A Break After School

For some kids, taking some time off between schoolwork and more schoolwork is necessary. (That’s pretty understandable.)

Let them grab a snack, run around outside, play a game, or whatever they need to do for thirty minutes or an hour before they jump into more paperwork. Every household has to work out the best homework time for its schedule, but consider whether after supper might work better for your kid, for example.

Some teens even swear by morning work — but you may not want to try that unless your kid has already exhibited an ability to function well in the early hours.

Try It With A Body Double

Clinical psychologist Liz Nissim-Matheis suggests using what she calls the body doubling method. Unfortunately, this method does not involve your child calling in a stunt worker to do his math for him.

Instead, it means that you keep him company. You stay in the same room, working on your project or task, while he focuses on his. In Psychology Today , Nissim-Matheis writes:

“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.”

One Redditor offered a variation on this: the parent does a chore like sweeping while the child reads the assignment aloud to them.

Physical Cues To Get In The Schoolwork Mood

A Redditor suggested a very Pavlovian notion: pick a cue that means schoolwork and practice using it. It could be certain music, a special homework cap, or a specific snack that means it’s homework time. It may also be a specific location, like a desk or a table. Another suggestion was to bring out a “homework tablecloth” that is only allowed for an hour at a time (this meshes with the tip to use a timer).

Over time, this could train the brain to leap into homework mode when the right tune plays or the thinking cap is on.

Remember that experts recommend  avoiding homework  in the bedroom, as it can make the space more stressful and interfere with sleep.

Check In With Your Child’s Teacher

As previously mentioned, there are many situations in which homework is not conducive to learning. One Redditor says that when she shared with her child’s teacher that a 10-minute worksheet took two tear-soaked hours, the teacher said to cut it out.

The teacher agreed that this was only adding stress to the kid’s education and not teaching her anything new. She worked out a compromise with the parent so that instead, she worked with her kid at home on difficult concepts and skipped the regular homework assignments.

“Third Spaces” Could Be A Helpful Answer

“Third spaces” are places that are not home or work (or for your kid, school) and don’t have the associations those places hold. This could be a park, a coffee shop, or the library.

Several Reddit users say these are the places they were best able to work as a school kid, with one explaining that he was never able to break the “home = relax association.” Some even added that this still works for them as adults. One said:

“I still need this strategy working on a doctorate. Also if I do it outside the house I am motivated to get it done faster so I can go home and put on stretch pants.”

Gamification: Make It Fun

ADHD kids get a lot of criticism and negative messages, and one that they hear over and over is that they’re able to concentrate just fine when the subject is their favorite video game or YouTube channel.

It’s a bizarre criticism anyway since, well, isn’t that true for everyone? It’s easier to concentrate on things you enjoy, right? Instead of leveling it as an attack, leverage it as a teaching tool.

If your kid is learning multiplication, maybe he’d rather practice three M&Ms per row times five rows instead of three dots or stars per row. One Redditor said she used hopscotch grids for her kid to practice spelling words. Others suggested simpler tricks like earning stickers or stars as points toward prizes.

Spread The Support Around

One Redditor said that she and her husband split which subject they help their child with, each taking the one they’re better at. This reduces everyone’s stress because when the parent feels capable of rewording or better explaining a concept, they’re less likely to get overwhelmed, and the kid is less likely to pick up that frustration.

Another even suggested hiring an older kid to drop by for a relaxed tutoring session. One example they offered was the older kid playing Lego with the kid while also practicing their spelling words.

Break It Up (Into Smaller Time Chunks)

Many parents say that making sure there are frequent breaks to stretch the body and move around a little has helped their kids. One described stopping her daughter between assignments and sending her to do a flip or jump on the trampoline before the next task.

Some recommend small snacks during those breaks or time to cuddle a pet. Others just allow a little reset time or have their kid get up and do something active.

Utilizing a timer for these breaks also helps keep things in perspective.

Offer Accommodations, Fidgets, Stims, Etc

When setting up the space where your child will do schoolwork, fill it with soothing and helpful things. Noise-canceling headphones may help some kids, while a fidget toy or other stimming device (like Calm Strips or other texture stickers) may help others.

If you’re using a timer, a very visual one can be set up here—a digital timer, a sand timer, or something similar—so that a glance tells your kid how much longer is left for this specific current task.

For some kids, keeping the walls in this area boring and distraction-free may help, and for others, the classic teacher tactic of covering the walls with educational material so that even distracted kids are looking at math facts or spelling tricks may be helpful.

Plan Around Likes & Dislikes (Saving The Best For Last)

One Redditor says that her school experience taught her to shuffle assignments from least-favored to most-favored. She explained:

“I liked the homework that I liked, if that makes sense. Reading a book for English? NO PROBLEM. Doing math homework? MANY PROBLEMS. So I started doing the ‘hard’ homework first, then the good homework at the end as a ‘reward’.”

For another kid, that might mean alternating between complex and manageable parts.

By the way, if a problem or question is specifically overwhelming your kid, encourage him to mark it, skip it, and speak to the teacher about it the next day instead of agonizing about it for long periods.

Keep Things Positive

One thing that adults who struggled with homework as kids will say pretty consistently is that part of the frustration and misery was the parents shouting at them for not understanding, fussing at them for small failures, and generally being out of patience with the whole ordeal. We know parenting is stressful — but taking some of that negativity out of the equation might help, too.

Try praising your kid for accomplishments, even when they’re relatively small, like completing the first three math problems or reading a whole page without getting distracted. Also, praise them for the non-academic things they excel at—being a good friend or a kind neighbor is at least as valuable an accomplishment as mastering algebra.

Cognitive Pairing

We’re back to Pavlovian measures again, but this time, it’s all about adding joy and comfort to the routine. This tactic isn’t about using association to message the brain that it’s time to work but instead to form an association with positive things and joy. Beyond Book Smart recommends:

“One effective way to make homework time less scary is by pairing work with something fun and rewarding. This could be a pet curled up by your child’s side, their favorite treat waiting for them before they start, or a playlist of music they can enjoy listening to while they work (instrumental tends to be best!) Whatever it might be, pairing homework time with something they enjoy can greatly reduce the urge to avoid whatever assignment needs to get done.”

Take Time To Save Time

Do some prep work in advance. Ensure the homework area is ready with paper, sharpened pencils, erasers, a calculator if one is normally used, and any other needed materials. Have your kid take ten minutes before the work starts to reread exactly what the assignment is and any directions or notes.

This will prevent incidents where your kid does the math problems on page 45 when page 43 was assigned and limit the number of times they must jump up and run off to find an essential pencil or index card.

Color-Code Assignments & Notebooks By Class

Pick a class, pick a color. If math is blue, then the composition book, the three-ring binder, the folder, and the book cover for math are all blue. This will make it easier to find tonight’s assignment and ensure that the math assignment hasn’t accidentally been put into the ELA folder tomorrow.

This will also make locker time more manageable in the afternoon. If there are math assignments, grab everything blue. Maybe all the ELA items are red, and maybe Social Studies is all green. Whatever colors your kid chooses, this way, he won’t end up bringing home his math book to do a science reading or leaving the Social Studies folder with the worksheet in it in his locker because he mixed it up with the one for Computer Science.

Implement Mnemonic Devices Where Appropriate

You might use these tidy little educational mantras for actual academic purposes. I still remember the quadratic formula more than two decades after the last time I used it because our teacher sang it to us. Looking it up now, I find that teachers have done so to a few different tunes, including Pop Goes The Weasel.

You can find some similar mnemonic devices for spelling various words (we all struggled with spelling “friends” until Spongebob offered a solution, right?), for math procedures (like PEMDAS for order of operations), and even for Social Studies (HOMES to remember the Great Lakes).

You can also employ them for remembering other things — you could make up one for remembering backpack, lunchbox, and other necessities, or for remembering which subjects are which days of the week or which class periods.

Allow Your Child To Set Boundaries & Limits

Doing homework is not very beneficial if your child is crying and miserable the whole time, and stretching out what should have been an hour’s work takes well past bedtime. When your kid is burnt out, let them stop for a break or the night. ADDitude Magazine calls this “respect[ing] your child’s saturation point” and advises:

“If he’s too tired, stressed or frustrated to finish his homework, let him stop. Write a note to the teacher explaining the situation, and if it happens every night talk to her about reducing the homework load.”

Every human has limits, and for a child with ADHD, sometimes those limits might be more tightly held than others realize. Your kid’s body is the best judge of when she can’t take anymore.

Request An IEP Meeting

If your child has an IEP, schedule a meeting with his team to discuss how homework affects him. Be prepared to discuss the purpose of the assignments (one teacher on Reddit said that even when she deems homework unnecessary, she feels pressured to assign it because of what other parents want or what other teachers are doing) and whether he is benefitting from them as they stand.

If not, discuss the possibility that he could do modified or shortened versions each night or do a specific time amount and then stop. Several parents say that their child’s IEP allowed for an hour of work maximum and a parental signature avowing that he had spent the time and effort.

Steph is a mom of 7, with over a decade of homeschooling experience, as well as experience with premature birth and NICU. She’s juggled feeding tubes and oxygen tanks, multiple toddlers at once, as well as parenting teenagers.

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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 lives. 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/studying time is filled with dread and excuses, but it doesn’t have to be this way. 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 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 bring 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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ADHD and Homework: Effective Strategies for Academic Success

Pencils snap, papers crumple, and frustrated sighs echo through countless homes as the nightly homework battle begins—but for families navigating ADHD, these struggles can reach epic proportions. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges when it comes to academic tasks, particularly homework. The combination of difficulties with focus, organization, and time management can turn what should be a straightforward assignment into an hours-long ordeal. However, with the right strategies and support, students with ADHD can overcome these hurdles and achieve academic success.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. For students with ADHD, these symptoms can significantly impact their ability to complete homework efficiently and effectively. Common struggles include difficulty initiating tasks, staying focused, managing time, and organizing materials. The frustration and stress that often accompany these challenges can further exacerbate the problem, creating a cycle of avoidance and anxiety around homework.

Developing tailored strategies is crucial for helping students with ADHD navigate the homework process successfully. By understanding the unique ways in which ADHD affects executive functioning and implementing targeted techniques, parents, teachers, and students can work together to create a more positive and productive homework experience. Let’s delve deeper into the ADHD-homework connection and explore effective strategies for academic success.

Understanding the ADHD-Homework Connection

To effectively address homework challenges for individuals with ADHD, it’s essential to understand how the disorder affects executive functioning—the cognitive processes responsible for planning, organizing, and completing tasks. ADHD can impact several key areas of executive function, including:

1. Working memory: Difficulty holding information in mind while working on a task 2. Cognitive flexibility: Challenges in switching between tasks or adapting to new situations 3. Inhibitory control: Struggles with controlling impulses and filtering out distractions 4. Planning and prioritization: Trouble breaking down tasks and determining their importance

These executive function deficits can have a significant impact on time management and organization, two critical skills for successful homework completion. Students with ADHD may struggle to estimate how long tasks will take, prioritize assignments, or create and follow a study schedule. As a result, they may find themselves constantly rushing to meet deadlines or feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to complete.

Mastering Homework with ADHD: Practical Strategies for Academic Success often involves addressing difficulties with focus and attention during homework sessions. Students may find their minds wandering, be easily distracted by environmental stimuli, or have trouble sustaining attention for extended periods. This can lead to incomplete assignments, careless errors, or a significant increase in the time required to complete tasks.

Moreover, the emotional challenges related to homework for those with ADHD cannot be overlooked. The repeated experiences of frustration, failure, and criticism can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and a negative association with academic tasks. Many students with ADHD develop a fear of failure or perfectionism that can further impede their ability to initiate and complete homework assignments.

Essential ADHD Homework Strategies

Implementing effective strategies can significantly improve the homework experience for students with ADHD. Here are some essential techniques to consider:

1. Creating a structured homework routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Set a specific time and place for homework, and stick to it as much as possible. This predictability can help the brain prepare for focused work.

2. Setting up an ideal study environment: Create a designated homework space that is free from distractions. Ensure good lighting, comfortable seating, and easy access to necessary materials. Some students with ADHD may benefit from background white noise or instrumental music to help maintain focus.

3. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks: Large assignments can be overwhelming for students with ADHD. How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework with ADHD: Effective Strategies for Success often involves breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach can make the work feel less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as each part is completed.

4. Utilizing timers and scheduling techniques: The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks, can be particularly effective for students with ADHD. Use a timer to create a sense of urgency and help maintain focus during work periods.

5. Incorporating movement and breaks: Regular movement breaks can help students with ADHD refocus and recharge. Encourage short periods of physical activity between tasks or during longer study sessions.

ADHD Homework Tips for Different Subjects

Different academic subjects may require varied approaches for students with ADHD. Here are some subject-specific strategies:

1. Strategies for math homework: – Use graph paper to help with alignment and organization of problems – Encourage the use of manipulatives or visual aids to represent abstract concepts – Break complex problems into smaller steps and use checklists to track progress

2. Techniques for reading and writing assignments: – Use highlighters or sticky notes to mark important information while reading – Encourage active reading techniques, such as summarizing or asking questions – For writing assignments, start with brainstorming and outlining before diving into the full draft

3. Approaches for science and research projects: – Use mind maps or concept diagrams to visualize relationships between ideas – Break research projects into specific tasks (e.g., finding sources, taking notes, drafting sections) – Incorporate hands-on experiments or demonstrations when possible to maintain engagement

4. Methods for studying and test preparation: – Create flashcards or use digital quiz apps for interactive studying – Teach mnemonic devices and other memory techniques – Encourage regular review sessions rather than cramming before exams

Technology and Tools to Support ADHD Homework Management

Modern technology offers numerous tools that can support students with ADHD in managing their homework more effectively:

1. Productivity apps and digital planners: Apps like Trello, Asana, or MyHomework can help students organize tasks, set reminders, and track progress on assignments. Mastering Homework with ADHD: Strategies for Success and Efficiency often involves leveraging these digital tools to enhance organization and time management.

2. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software: These tools can assist students who struggle with reading or writing. Text-to-speech software can read assignments aloud, while speech-to-text can help students who have difficulty getting their thoughts onto paper.

3. Noise-cancelling headphones and focus aids: For students easily distracted by environmental noise, noise-cancelling headphones can create a more focused study environment. Apps like Forest or Freedom can block distracting websites and apps during study sessions.

4. Visual aids and mind-mapping tools: Software like MindMeister or Coggle allows students to create visual representations of information, which can be particularly helpful for those who think in non-linear ways.

Collaboration between Parents, Teachers, and Students

Effective management of ADHD and homework requires a collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and students. Here are some strategies for fostering this collaboration:

1. Effective communication strategies: – Establish regular check-ins between parents and teachers to discuss progress and challenges – Encourage open dialogue with the student about their experiences and needs – Use tools like shared calendars or communication apps to keep everyone informed

2. Setting realistic expectations and goals: – Work together to set achievable homework goals based on the student’s current abilities – Gradually increase expectations as the student develops better homework management skills – Celebrate small victories and progress along the way

3. Implementing accommodations and modifications: – Discuss and implement appropriate accommodations, such as extended time for assignments or reduced homework load – Consider using a homework contract that outlines agreed-upon expectations and consequences – ADHD and Grades: Strategies for Academic Success often involves tailoring assignments to the student’s learning style and needs

4. Positive reinforcement and reward systems: – Implement a reward system for completing homework tasks or meeting goals – Use verbal praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviors – Consider using a token economy system where students can earn privileges or rewards for consistent homework completion

Addressing Specific ADHD Homework Challenges

While the strategies mentioned above can be broadly effective, it’s important to address some specific challenges that students with ADHD often face:

1. Work refusal: ADHD and School Work Refusal: Helping Your Child Overcome Academic Challenges is a common issue. This may stem from anxiety, past negative experiences, or feeling overwhelmed. Addressing the underlying causes and breaking tasks into very small, manageable steps can help overcome this barrier.

2. Physical inability to start: Some students with ADHD describe feeling physically unable to begin their homework. ADHD and Homework Struggles: When You Physically Can’t Do Your Assignments explores this phenomenon and suggests strategies such as body-doubling (working alongside someone else) or using physical prompts to initiate tasks.

3. Endless homework sessions: For many students with ADHD, ADHD and Homework: Why It Takes Forever and How to Overcome the Struggle is a daily reality. Setting time limits, using timers, and implementing structured break times can help manage this issue.

4. Transitioning from school to homework: Mastering Schoolwork with ADHD: Strategies for Focus and Success includes developing effective transition routines. This might involve a short period of physical activity, a snack, or a brief relaxation exercise before starting homework.

5. High school challenges: As academic demands increase, Navigating High School with ADHD: Strategies for Success becomes crucial. This may involve more sophisticated organization systems, self-advocacy skills, and college preparation strategies.

Managing homework with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, students can achieve academic success. Key approaches include creating structured routines, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, utilizing technology and tools, and fostering collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. It’s important to remember that How to Help a Child with ADHD Focus in School: Comprehensive Strategies for Parents and Teachers is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and flexibility.

As students and their support systems implement these strategies, it’s crucial to regularly assess their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. What works for one student may not work for another, and strategies that are effective at one point may need to be modified as the student grows and academic demands change.

By approaching ADHD and homework challenges with understanding, creativity, and perseverance, students can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically. Remember that progress may be gradual, but each small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. With continued effort and support, students with ADHD can overcome homework hurdles and unlock their full academic potential.

References:

1. Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Publications.

2. DuPaul, G. J., & Stoner, G. (2014). ADHD in the Schools: Assessment and Intervention Strategies. Guilford Press.

3. Langberg, J. M., Dvorsky, M. R., & Evans, S. W. (2013). What specific facets of executive function are associated with academic functioning in youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 41(7), 1145-1159.

4. Sibley, M. H., Graziano, P. A., Kuriyan, A. B., Coxe, S., Pelham, W. E., Rodriguez, L., … & Ward, A. (2016). Parent-teen behavior therapy + motivational interviewing for adolescents with ADHD. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 84(8), 699-712.

5. Wolraich, M. L., Chan, E., Froehlich, T., Lynch, R. L., Bax, A., Redwine, S. T., … & Hagan, J. F. (2019). ADHD diagnosis and treatment guidelines: a historical perspective. Pediatrics, 144(4), e20191682.

6. Zentall, S. S., & Lee, J. (2012). A reading motivation intervention with differential outcomes for students at risk for reading disabilities, ADHD, and typical comparisons: “Clever Is and Clever Does”. Learning Disability Quarterly, 35(4), 248-259.

7. Langberg, J. M., Dvorsky, M. R., Molitor, S. J., Bourchtein, E., Eddy, L. D., Smith, Z., … & Evans, S. W. (2016). Longitudinal evaluation of the importance of homework assignment completion for the academic performance of middle school students with ADHD. Journal of School Psychology, 55, 27-38.

8. Power, T. J., Watkins, M. W., Mautone, J. A., Walcott, C. M., Coutts, M. J., & Sheridan, S. M. (2015). Examining the validity of the Homework Performance Questionnaire: Multi-informant assessment in elementary and middle school. School Psychology Quarterly, 30(2), 260-275.

9. Bikic, A., Reichow, B., McCauley, S. A., Ibrahim, K., & Sukhodolsky, D. G. (2017). Meta-analysis of organizational skills interventions for children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 52, 108-123.

10. Mautone, J. A., Lefler, E. K., & Power, T. J. (2011). Promoting family and school success for children with ADHD: Strengthening relationships while building skills. Theory Into Practice, 50(1), 43-51.

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