Children with ADHD (Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) tend to find certain aspects of education and learning challenging, especially when trying to study at home, where there can be considerable distraction. Brainworks Psychology Perth, specialising in ADHD assessments for children, have compiled a list of some helpful strategies that you can implement, to make studying more effective in the home.
Create a Designated Study Area
One thing that will remain consistent throughout this blog is that as parents, we need to be attentive to and understand our children’s behaviours and habits. To create an ideal space for any person, the space should mirror and match the individual’s behaviours. For example, you wouldn’t want to place an introverted person who prefers a secluded study area in an open space where they may be overstimulated. It is a common misconception that to assist children with ADHD to study more effectively, we must remove all forms of distraction; however, in some cases, these individuals may be able to perform better or be more engaged in open areas. Once you have found an ideal study area, maintaining consistency with specific elements is important to promote effective study. This can include naming this area the “study area”, where the individual returns each time to study or complete homework, making sure it is a comfortable space with adequate seating and with a flat surface for writing, and most importantly, that it is a clutter-free space. Providing a designated study area promotes order and helps to develop good study habits so that individuals are productive, which fosters a sense of accomplishment.
Schedule a Focus Block
Scheduling blocks of time to focus on study and/or homework is of vital importance. Some children may want to complete their homework and study straight after school so that they can relax for the rest of the evening, while others may need some time to unwind and refresh after school before engaging with study or homework. Another facet involved with allocating focus blocks is breaking the individual’s study time into smaller segments. Since a major challenge that individuals with ADHD face is maintaining focus, breaking down study time into smaller chunks with brain breaks in between may help to reset the mind and replenish energy stores to enhance concentration.
Extra Study Materials
Since the early 2000s, research has been put into the benefits of fidget toys, and since then, there have been a plentiful number of resources that we as parents can use to help benefit the learning habits of our children and with the digital age, they have been made more accessible. Keep a few pop toys or fidget cubes at the desk available as a sensory tool to help with focus. Plenty of apps and tools are made available to help make study more engaging, such as speech-to-text functions on their tablets or audiobooks if they retain information better audibly rather than visually. Again, this will require some careful learning on our part as parents to understand the individual habits of our children and how to benefit their attention best.
Have a Study Buddy
During this period of carefully watching your child, you may notice that they are actively more engaged in their work. This is because, again, it is commonly misunderstood that children with ADHD or study challenges are supposed to benefit from isolation when they benefit by being surrounded by people. Studying with another person or even just being present when you do your work and they do theirs will they be most productive.
Other Study Considerations for Children with ADHD
There are many resources and tools available to help create the ideal learning space. The challenge is channelling their energies and maintaining focus. Learn to break up their study and find fun and innovative ways to learn, whether that is by making your own study game, incorporating visual learning tools such as counters or a large whiteboard, or buying fun learning games on the computer.
Studying doesn’t have to be a challenge; if you notice that your child may be exhibiting signs of restless energy, Brainworks Psychology Perth specialises in providing children with ADHD assessments. These assessments can get you closer to a diagnosis with a specialist so that you can get the help you need with your child’s education. Contact us and book an ADHD assessment.
