ADHD and homework can sometimes be difficult to reconcile. But with the right strategies and the right environment, it's possible to optimize learning for people with ADHD who face many challenges, such as poor concentration, procrastination, organizational difficulties, stress, and cognitive overload.
Specific challenges of ADHD with homework
Lack of concentration
People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating on prolonged tasks, such as homework.
According to FranceDyslexia, 80% of children with ADHD have attention deficit disorder, which makes even completing homework difficult.
For example, during an exam, a student may quickly become distracted by doodling or looking around.
This inability to maintain consistent focus can turn a simple 10-minute exercise into an endless ordeal.
Difficulty organizing
Organization is also a major challenge for students with ADHD.
Homework becomes a source of stress, with a lack of planning and difficulty prioritizing tasks.
Children with ADHD have difficulty managing their school supplies.
For example, a student may forget their notebook at school or not know where to start when they have to write an essay.
Procrastination
Procrastination is also a challenge faced by people with ADHD.
Students often put off homework until the last minute, making managing ADHD and homework even more difficult.
This procrastination often stems from stress or difficulty estimating the time needed to complete a task.
Loss of motivation
When tasks seem unstimulating, individuals with ADHD tend to lose motivation easily.
According to an INSERM report , these children need more stimulation to maintain their engagement.
For example, a repetitive exercise, such as learning a vocabulary list, will quickly be perceived as boring and uninteresting, which will lead to total disengagement.
Stress and cognitive overload
People with ADHD struggle to multitask, which can lead to significant stress and mental overload. This is often due to difficulty processing an accumulation of difficult information simultaneously.
10 Tips for Studying Effectively with ADHD
Create a distraction-free work environment
Creating a distraction-free work environment for students with ADHD is essential. They need a quiet space, free from background noise.
Students with ADHD perform better in appropriate environments. For example, you can isolate your child in a dedicated room or use noise-canceling headphones.
Use visual routines and schedules
Visual routines and schedules help students better manage ADHD and homework by providing structure to their daily lives. Displaying visual schedules and timetables provides students with stable reference points.
Print a sheet with homework times and post it in their study area. This improves their anticipation, helps them be more organized, and helps combat procrastination.
Break tasks down into simple steps
Dividing a complex task into several small steps reduces stress.
For example, for a writing exercise, you might start by brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, and then writing the introduction, rather than writing everything out straight away.
Prioritize important tasks
For individuals with ADHD, prioritizing important tasks is essential to limit the accumulation of stress.
Encourage task prioritization by analyzing together the deadlines, importance, and time required for each assignment.
Use reminders
Visual or digital reminders help keep deadlines on track. Apps like Todoist or Google Calendar are particularly useful in this regard. For example, a student can set an alert 15 minutes before starting their homework to reduce forgetfulness.
Implement suitable concentration tools
Tools such as timers, sticky notes, or notification blocking apps can help you be more efficient.
For example, a timer set for 25 minutes to write a paragraph boosts their productivity.
Introduce motivating rewards
A reward system after each completed task can encourage students to achieve their goals.
A simple trick is to give them 10 minutes of video gaming after an hour of work. This helps keep them engaged and increases their motivation.
Study in pairs or small groups
Collaborating with a peer can reduce feelings of isolation and make homework more interactive. Students with ADHD benefit from mutual support to stay focused on their goals.
Learn to recognize and manage your emotions
Encouraging students to identify their feelings about homework helps reduce ADHD-related frustrations.
Breathing exercises or an emotional journal can improve their well-being.
Developing self-compassion in the face of difficulties
Finally, cultivating a kind attitude toward oneself is essential. People with ADHD must understand that it is normal to encounter obstacles and avoid judging themselves harshly.
Messages of encouragement, such as "the most important thing is that you move forward step by step," can mark great progress in the long run.
Specific advice for adult students with ADHD
Organize a flexible, but structured schedule
Setting up a schedule that combines structure and flexibility helps you stay focused on your goals.
Use a visual calendar or time management app to plan your weekly tasks, while building in buffers to manage contingencies.
This helps reduce the feeling of overload by maintaining a clear organization.
Use visual note-taking methods
Students with ADHD can benefit from note-taking techniques that promote better retention of information.
Mind maps, diagrams, or color coding often make concepts more accessible and engaging, making learning easier.
Create a suitable study space
A well-organized study environment, free from visual and audio distractions, helps ADHD students maintain focus.
Choose a quiet spot with adequate lighting, and don't hesitate to personalize your space with objects that encourage motivation, such as inspirational quotes.
Take active breaks
Using the Pomodoro method by breaking your work into small 25-minute sessions with 5-minute active breaks in between can significantly improve your productivity.
Take advantage of these breaks to stretch, walk, or do some light physical activity to boost your energy and focus.
Specific tips for helping a child with ADHD with homework
Communicate regularly with the teacher
Regular communication with teachers helps find solutions tailored to students and better manage difficulties related to ADHD and homework.
Teachers can make specific recommendations, adapt the space or their working methods to help the child progress in better conditions.
Establish an after-school ritual for transition
After a school day, it is helpful to create a routine to prepare the child for homework.
For example, offer a snack, allow some time to relax, and then set a work-friendly environment, helping to signal that it's time to focus.
Offer caring support without pressure
As a parent, be patient and encouraging when completing homework.
Praise efforts rather than results, and create an environment where the child feels supported without fear of failure. This fosters confidence in their abilities.
FAQ: ADHD and Homework
How can I do homework with ADHD?
You can complete homework with ADHD by taking a structured approach, creating a calm and supportive environment, and using interactive and visual tools.
Is it difficult to do homework with ADHD?
Yes, doing homework with ADHD can be challenging due to difficulties with concentration and time management. However, with the right strategies, these challenges can be overcome.
What are some tips for studying with ADHD?
There are several tips for studying with ADHD, such as planning ahead, using interactive methods like mind maps, incorporating regular breaks, and limiting distractions in the work environment.
How to revise with ADHD?
Studying for someone with ADHD can be made easier by using tools such as study cards, visual summaries, or educational apps. Finding a rhythm that alternates short periods of intense work with breaks is also very effective.
