Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D.

Clinical psychologist, lecturer in psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

On how to stop procrastinating …

I use the “account-a-buddy” system to prevent procrastination. I text a friend or group of friends and let them know about a task I have to do, and ask them to suggest an album I can listen to on Spotify while doing it. It holds me accountable and I get to listen to an album new to me in the process!

On solving hurt feelings stemming from a difference of opinion …

I start by focusing on intentions. Oftentimes, the difference in opinion arises from how those intentions get communicated or executed. But if you open with — “We both want the same thing here. We are on the same team. But maybe we are each paying attention to a different coach telling us how to score the goal” — I find that it brings the focus back to what you have in common.

[Read: How ADHD Ignites Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria]

Ann Dolin, M.Ed.

On dealing with a child’s unwillingness to do homework …

A friend once told me, “If you think you might get into a power struggle with your child, then you already are in a power struggle.” Both of my kids have ADHD, and I make a real effort to avoid that daily homework drama to preserve our relationship.

Most of the resistance surrounding homework stems from the child not understanding the material. When this happened with my younger son, I would help him get started. Whenever he would get frustrated and start to argue, I would put the ball back in his court by saying, “I’ve noticed this assignment is really hard for you. I’ll be over here checking my work email. When you’re ready, come back to me.”

If you sit by your child and help them do each step of each assignment, it sets a bad precedent, and your child may become reliant on you. I didn’t set high expectations for homework. I just encouraged them to get it done and left the quality up to the teacher. If my younger son, who was often more resistant, would slap something down on his paper and say he was done, I would leave it at that. It just needs to be complete, and that’s how you avoid the constant power struggles. Maintaining a good relationship with your child is far more important than turning in perfect homework assignments.

[Read: Top 5 Homework Frustrations — and Fixes for Each]

Wes Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP, CST

On encouraging independence in teens and young adults …

An intervention I’ve used for many years to help parents manage young adults (YAs) has come in pretty darn handy in my own life in the last 10 years. My daughter just sat for her bar exam and my son is in his sophomore year of college, so I consider it effective, especially when you start in the almost-teen years.

Consider every act you are about to do for your child as either beneficent or enabling — and enact only the beneficent ones. Beneficence means to give in a way that brings about good. First, the act must really help the YA on the core task of development, which is moving toward independence and self-sufficiency. Second, the act must not harm the giver.

The opposite of beneficence is enabling, or solving a problem that the YA is capable of solving on their own. Enabling leads to increased dependency and limits creativity and problem-solving. It’s often tough to discern one from the other and then take only the beneficent path. I spend a lot of time with families figuring out in any given situation which is which.

Sharon Saline, Psy.D.

Clinical psychologist, and author

On time management …

Two time-management patterns especially challenge me: First, I often underestimate how long a task will take and then rush to get it done at the last minute. Second, I may overestimate how much time a task will take, feel overwhelmed by it, and procrastinate.

Over time, I’ve learned to manage my time better. I use alarms and notifications that give me ample warning when I need to transition and add an extra 10 minutes for unforeseen issues. I also cut my expectations regarding what I can accomplish in a day. Instead of attempting eight things, I’ll aim to do three, and return to my list if there is time left. I link certain tasks and projects to different days of the week based on urgency and importance. By working with due dates, I can allocate my time better.

Lastly, I am committed to practicing self-acceptance around this issue. If I’m running late, I own it, and let people know in advance as much as possible. Then, I consider what different choices I could have made to be punctual without shaming myself. All these techniques help me to figure out what is possible, be accountable for my actions, and leave room for improvement.

Evelyn Polk Green, M.Ed.

Immediate past president, Attention Deficit Disorder Association

On task management …

Organizing and initiating a task are my two biggest ADHD challenges, and that means that my house/desk/car are a mess. I’ve solved that by paying for things like a housekeeper and laundry service, using meal plan kits and food delivery services often, and paying a monthly fee for unlimited car washes and interior cleanings. I know not everyone can afford all of that, but I encourage folks to think about what not paying for those things costs them in the “ADHD tax,” and realize you’ll probably save enough to do at least some of this.

On taking ADHD in stride …

Despite being aware of my ADHD, and being an ADHD advocate for almost 30 years, I still experience many of the same challenges that other individuals with the disorder do. I have to say that I have learned to take it in stride and even laugh (once I’m done being angry/frustrated/unhappy with myself because of whatever ADHD mess I’ve gotten myself into). That is actually one of my most important coping skills: acknowledging that I’m going to mess up, not beating myself up (too much) when it happens, finding something funny about the situation, and then moving on.

How To Stop Procrastinating & Time Management Tips: Next Steps

• Read: The Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Things Done
• Download: 19 Ways to Meet Deadlines and Get Things Done
• Read: Stop. Procrastinating. Now.

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Hi MarylandADHDMom:

I appreciate your desire to “lean in” to your son’s app usage. It’s important to meet your child where they live. So, although I do sometimes feel that apps can be limiting and distracting, I have many student coaching clients, especially those with executive functioning challenges and ADHD, who find them useful, easy to manage, and a natural extension of their recreational “tech usage.” In other words, they’re more apt to use study apps than other “old school” methods, and using them is what matters.

Here are five of my favorites.

Top Study Apps for Students with ADHD

Habit Hub

(https://apps.apple.com/us/app/habit-hub-routine-schedule/id1149192857; free; iOS)

Creating and maintaining daily habits is key to effectively managing ADHD — and it’s also incredibly difficult. Habit Hub comes to students’ aid by reminding them to perform tasks and visually tracking their progress. It builds a motivating “chain” (A feature my students love!) of each day’s completed tasks. As the chain gets longer, it serves as an incentive or as motivation to keep at the project. Nobody wants to break the chain!

With Habit Hub, your son can customize his tasks into categories. It’s incredibly flexible and makes setting up and staying in a routine game-like.

Otter AI

(https://otter.ai/; free basic plan; students with an email address ending with “.edu” receive a 20% discount on upgraded versions Otter Pro Annual ($6.67/per month/ $79.99 annually, and Otter Pro Monthly ($13.59/per month)

Otter AI offers a much-needed lifeline for students juggling classes, research, exams, and extracurriculars, and it’s especially helpful for students with weak working memory.

[Download These Teacher Approved Apps and Tools For School]

The app records audio and automatically takes notes in real-time, so students can focus on the discussion, knowing they’ll have access to the transcript and recording to review and highlight. Once the lecture ends, Otter AI automatically generates a summary, making it easier for students to digest and remember key points and themes. The app also captures lecture slides and adds them to notes, which helps students recall the details with full context. The app’s keyword search capabilities are crucial for promoting more effective notetaking.

Brainly

(https://brainly.com/; free to join)

I can’t say enough about Brainly. Picture this: It’s 11 p.m., and your son is stumped by his homework, but it’s too late to reach out to a friend or teacher. Now, he has an alternative. Brainly is a knowledge-sharing community where hundreds of millions of students and experts work together to crack the toughest homework questions.

With the app, your son can search a knowledge base of millions of school subject questions. Both students and experts provide answers and support. Moderators keep things kind and collaborative. And experts verify the quality of answers.

Brainly is geared mainly towards middle and high school students but is gaining popularity in the college-age set.

[Self-Test: Signs of Executive Dysfunction in Kids and Teens]

SimpleMind

(https://simplemind.eu/; free basic platform; works on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, and Android)

Many of my students love mind mapping, a more natural form of notetaking used to brainstorm, plan, and make connections between ideas. It speaks to their creativity and lends a visual aspect to notetaking and studying.

SimpleMind can organize your son’s thoughts by creating a mind map, which can then be seamlessly synchronized across multiple platforms and shared with others. The app allows users to add photos, videos, and even voice recordings. My students especially like that they can select different layouts and customize the appearance of their mind maps.

Stay Focusd

(https://www.stayfocusd.com/, free)

 If your son is endlessly scrolling through his social media or getting lost on the Internet when he should be working or studying, Stay Focusd may rescue him.

This self-control and productivity extension for Google Chrome allows you to block distracting apps and websites according to defined conditions. Your son can block out a specific schedule, set a daily usage limit, or even set a goal-based limit. In other words, it allows him to take a break from his phone and focus on homework without relying solely on self-control.

Todoist

(https://todoist.com/; free beginner plan, upgrades available for $4/per month, works on all devices)

With so many to-do list apps, I couldn’t choose one I preferred. This is where I relied on my students’ preferences. Todoist is their top pick for many reasons:

1. It’s available on all platforms and devices.
2. Its distraction-free design allows students to be super detailed with their tasks. (Your son can use Todoist to add steps to projects, set due dates, color code priorities, and create recurring tasks effortlessly.)
3. My students say the app is super user-friendly!

Good luck.

Mind Mapping & Study Apps for ADHD Brains: Next Steps

• Download: Learning Tools That Improve Productivity, Reading and Writing Skills
• Read: 25 Great Mobile Apps for ADHD Minds
• Q:  “What Time Management Apps Will My Teen with ADHD Actually Use?”

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Hi NebraskaMom:

The fear of underperforming or failing is a very common obstacle for many teens, especially those with executive functioning challenges or ADHD. Due to the sheer nature of ADHD, the ability to complete tasks and assignments is daunting or overwhelming. Understanding the intricate interplay between ADHD and your son’s fear is essential to helping him navigate his academic journey.

Imagine a busy train station where trains full of “concentration” are meant to depart on time. But the train station is overflowing with thoughts, ideas, impulses, etc. You get it. For those with ADHD, the “concentration” trains are often derailed or delayed due to all those distractions. In other words, your son’s attention is being pulled between focus and distractibility.

[Free Resource: Turn Your Teen’s Apathy Into Engagement]

Now add in the fear of failure or doing poorly, and you have another hurdle on the tracks. This fear acts like an unseen force that derails the concentration train before it can even gain momentum. It can bring anxiety, self-doubt, and a desire to avoid the task at all costs. In essence, your son’s fear is a powerful conductor, redirecting his attention away from his work.

Now, the fear of failure isn’t solely rooted in what he has to do but also in the potential consequences that doing poorly or failing might bring. I guess that he frequently hears criticism or negative feedback. By age 10, a child with ADHD will hear 20,000 corrective comments, according to Michael S. Jellinek, M.D. ¹ This barrage of judgment, coupled with his internal pressure, can amplify his fear to the point that it shuts him down. Completely.

Remember, the ADHD brain is wired differently, making it more challenging to organize thoughts, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently. Trust me when I say these difficulties get heavy and weigh kids down, leading to a vicious cycle of avoidance and procrastination. As the deadlines loom, the fear of not measuring up increases, and the thought of trying to tackle the task becomes overwhelming.

So, how can you help your son?

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Create a nurturing and understanding environment. It might sound obvious, but it’s worth stating: Open communication and validating your son’s feelings are essential.

[Self-Test: Does My Child Have ADHD? Symptom Test for Kids]

Help him develop smart strategies, such as breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider enlisting professional help, such as an ADHD coach, who can teach him tools and techniques for planning, studying, managing time, and staying organized.

Involve his teachers and the school. Collaborate to create accommodations or modifications that can alleviate some of his pressures. If he doesn’t already have one in place, consider building a 504 Plan or IEP (Individual Education Program). Establishing a support network will empower your son to confront his fears and build resiliency.

And, most importantly, focus on the progress rather than the result! Celebrate even the smallest wins!

Good luck!

Fear of Failure: Next Steps

• Free Download: Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
• Learn: “Why Is My Child Afraid to Fail?”
• Watch: Helping Children with ADHD Overcome, Failure, Fear, & Disappointment

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Source

¹Jellinek, M.S., (2010) Don’t Let ADHD Crush Children’s Self-Esteem. Clinical Psychiatry News. Volume 38, Issue 5, Page 12.

Kids are better able to focus on schoolwork when the home they live in is organized and conducive to learning. For children with ADHD, and their caregivers with ADHD, that order is easier said than achieved. It’s important to create a structured environment, with effective supports to build time management, so that messy backpacks and homework battles no longer dominate your nights.

In this webinar, Ann Dolin, M.Ed., will explain the unique challenges that parents with ADHD may face in helping their children get organized and manage their time effectively for school — and provide approaches for neurodivergent caregivers that turn chaos into calm and lead to improved academic performance.

In this webinar, you will learn about:

• Strategies for breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps to help parents with ADHD and their children stay on top of assignments, deadlines, and schedules
• The importance of using visual aids, like timers and calendars, to help parents with ADHD and their children stay organized and focused
• How to use strategies called the 3-to-1 Ratio and Nag-Free Zones to make after-school time more positive and productive
• How students can best communicate with the teacher to advocate for their academic needs, especially if they have a 504 Plan or IEP

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Download or Stream the Podcast Audio

Click the play button below to listen to this episode directly in your browser, click the  symbol to download to listen later, or open in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts; Google Podcasts; Audacy; Spotify; Amazon Music; iHeartRADIO.

More on Motivating Students with ADHD

• Download: Transform Your Teen’s Apathy Into Engagement
• Read: Your Child’s 7 Executive Functions — and How to Boost Them
• Read: Same Family, Different ADHD Symptoms

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on October 10, 2023, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker

Ann Dolin, M.Ed., has nearly 30 years of experience working with students. She is a former public school special education teacher and author who founded Educational Connections in 1998. The company specializes in helping students, especially those with ADHD, build executive function skills and study habits to perform better in school and, ultimately, in college.

She and her team of more than 120 tutors, executive function coaches, college consultants, and parent coaches provide virtual support to families with kindergarten to college students throughout the country.

Ann is the author of Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework and Getting Past Procrastination: How to Get Your Kids Organized, Focused and Motivated…Without Being the Bad Guy. (#CommissionsEarned) She also is past president of CHADD of Northern Virginia and is an advocate for students with ADHD.

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share.

Listener Testimonials

“It was great! Loved the content and delivery.”

“I loved the practical strategies, and the Q/A at the end where she made a point to differentiate between challenges with content vs executive functioning skills to complete a task they can do!”

“I am excited to put the tools learned into practice with my family. My daughter is in 6th grade and this is the perfect time to start setting up some of the routines discussed.”

Webinar Sponsor

The sponsor of this ADDitude webinar is…

Play Attention: Backed by research conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine, Play Attention provides the most advanced NASA Inspired technology that improves executive function & self-regulation. Turn your ADHD into your Superpower! Our digital trainer will teach cognitive skills so you can improve attention, productivity, organization, and executive function. Your personal executive function coach can customize a Play Attention program for each family member. Your program will include a Personal Executive Function Coach to customize your plan along the way. Home and professional programs available. Call 828-676-2240 or click here to schedule your free 1:1 consultation! | www.playattention.com

ADDitude thanks our sponsors for supporting our webinars. Sponsorship has no influence on speaker selection or webinar content.

Follow ADDitude’s full ADHD Experts Podcast in your podcasts app:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon Music | RadioPublic | Pocket Casts | iHeartRADIO | Audacy

Since children of different ages have different needs, here are some homeschooling strategies to help.

1. Schedule “Class Time”

No matter their age, keep your students on a school schedule. If they had to be physically present for class outside the home, they would set their alarms and get themselves out the door on time. Neurodivergent students need to place the same importance on homeschooling schedules and classes as they would at an in-person school.

2. Have Your Children “Body Double”

For some children with ADHD, working in the same room as others helps them stay motivated and on task. With that in mind, create a common work area for all your children. The only rule is that this is a time for working, not talking. Place an inexpensive tabletop presentation board on the kitchen table so everyone has some privacy. Make sure you provide plenty of snacks.

[Sign Up for ADDitude’s Free ADHD Parenting Class]

3. Infuse Learning with Movement

Homework is boring and doing it in the same place all the time can get old quickly. Changing your children’s environment will keep things interesting and fresh when they start to lose focus and attention. Games like “Hide the Homework,” where kids search the house for hidden assignments (They complete them where they find them.), helps to add an element of fun and surprise to the daily routine. Spelling words can go in the bathtub (No water!), and math problems can go under the kitchen table. Or play “Beat the Clock” by setting up subject stations around your kitchen or dining room table. Place a timer in the middle; when it goes off, your child moves to the next station. Incorporate younger children into the mix with art or reading stations.

Get outside! I have students doing math homework with sidewalk chalk or learning vocabulary words while jumping on a trampoline. Have a dog that needs walking? You grab the flashcards, your child grabs the dog, and by the time you’re back, they’ve studied for the exam.

4. Create a Playlist

Music helps the brain plan, focus, and initiate. Have each of your children create a study playlist of music they love. The key is to start the same playlist every time they sit down to work. Eventually, the music will act as a motivator — hearing it will signal to the brain that it’s time to get work done.

5. Designate Different Areas in Your Home for School and Homework

Any way you can set up their environment to provide motivation is a win.

[Free Download: The Guide to ADHD Learning Styles]

Homeschooling Tips: Next Steps

• Download: A Sample Schedule for Learning at Home
• Learn: When Traditional Schools Fails… How to Homeschool 
• Watch: Lessons Learned — and Shared — by Homeschool Families

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Hi JoburgMom:

When a child feels overwhelmed and unable to focus on schoolwork, it’s crucial to provide guidance and support to reduce that frustration. Providing them with coping strategies that are age-appropriate and doable can be effective in alleviating their feelings of anger or helplessness. Here are additional suggestions on how you can support your child.

Validate their Feelings

This is always the place to start. Avoid saying common phrases such as, “You’re being ridiculous” or “If you would just start, you’ll just be able to focus.” Or even, “You can do it!” Instead, start by acknowledging your child’s stress and frustration. Let them know it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times and that you understand their struggles and will help them with emotional regulation skills.

Here’s a great way to think about it. Validating their emotions creates a safe space to express their feelings and work out solutions that feel right for them. Make sure to praise their efforts and progress, even small ones. Let them know that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Create a Calm Environment

Notice that I didn’t say a quiet one. For some students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, a quiet environment is distracting. Many need the hum of the house or background noise to help them focus. Make sure your son’s homework environment is set up so it works for him. Does he like to listen to music? Does music help him feel less stressed? More activated? Have him create a study playlist filled with his favorite tunes. When it’s time to hit the books, he can study along to the music.

If he needs a noisy environment to stay on task, set him up with a workstation close to where the action is in your home. Just ensure that the other household members don’t disturb him once he starts working.

[Self-Test: Could Your Child Have an Executive Function Deficit?]

Does he need to fidget to focus? If that’s the case, create separate stations around your home where he can move to complete different subjects. For example, math can be done at the kitchen table, science in the living room, and so on. Movement helps to lay down learning and helps us initiate and stay focused.

Break it Down

I mean all the way down. When facing a large assignment or complex problem, tackling it in its entirety can create overwhelm. Work on one math problem, write one paragraph, define one vocabulary word, etc. You get the idea. By breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, your son can tackle one piece at a time, sustain focus, and reduce stress.

Establish a Routine

Students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges crave routines and structure. They provide stability and predictability, which may reduce your son’s anxiety and increase his ability to concentrate. If possible, set specific times to do homework and stick to it. And don’t forget to schedule breaks. They are a must for soothing the brain.

Engage the Senses

Don’t underestimate the power of introducing calming elements, such as soft music, candles, essential oils (my favorite!), stress balls, or fidget toys. My college-age student coaching clients love a brand called Yogi. They make fidget toys and spinners styled for older kids. All these types of supports provide a sensory outlet and promote relaxation.

[Free Download: 10 Ways to Neutralize Your Child’s Anger]

Consider Alternative Learning Approaches

If traditional learning methods aren’t working, explore alternative approaches that cater to your son’s individual needs. Try incorporating visual aids, hands-on activities, interactive learning tools, and other coping strategies that can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for him.

Here’s some more food for thought: Homework is the last thing your son wants to do. So, it’s important to tap into what truly works best for your son to learn. Building a roadmap that honors his strengths and needs will give him the tools and resources to maximize and strengthen his homework muscle.

By creating a Personal Homework Profile, he can take a more holistic approach that focuses on his best practices for getting work done.

Good luck!

Emotional Regulation: Next Steps

• Download: Kid-Friendly Mindful Meditation Exercises
• Learn: The Key to ADHD Emotional Regulation? Cultivating Gratitude, Pride, & Compassion
• Watch: Emotional Regulation Difficulties in Youth: ADHD Irritability vs. DMDD vs. Bipolar Disorder

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Young adults with ADHD face unique barriers to higher education that can drastically impact mental health and academic performance. Hence the need for formal accommodations, which are helpful when secured, but vastly underutilized. Most college students choose not to disclose their disability¹ — a requirement for accommodation requests. In a recent ADDitude poll, 32% of current and former students said they were simply unaware of support provided by their college’s Office of Disability Services.

What can be done, then, to empower students with ADHD and/or encourage them to seek support? We asked ADDitude readers with college experience: What types of accommodations, services, workarounds, and/or hacks would you recommend to neurodivergent college students? Did you receive formal disability services, or did you develop your own?

Fun fact: Most students find out about accommodations from their peers² — so consider sharing the tips* below with a classmate. You never know who you might help!

College Accommodations

“My college provides access to an app called Glean for students with accommodations. It records audio and/or video of lectures while allowing you to take notes within the app.” — Kayla, Maryland

[Free Guide to Securing ADHD Accommodations in College]

“I was able to use the Student Development Center to take tests; they offered a noise-free area, which helped me concentrate.” — Starla, Michigan

“Try using color, visuals, taking notes, using Post-Its, or the Cornell Note Method.” — An ADDitude reader

“Flexible/extendable due dates were helpful, as was color-coding my calendar. I used a Panda Planner (#CommissionsEarned) which helped me break down tasks to monthly, weekly, and daily necessities.” — Hannah, Pennsylvania

“Study groups are essential for ADHD. Nothing keeps you on track like a good study buddy.” — Tamara, Wisconsin

[Read: 7 Secrets to Studying Better with ADHD]

“Using Notability to record a lecture has been helpful. It syncs with my handwritten notes using an iPad. I also recently rediscovered bionic reading, and this may be pivotal for me if I can figure out how to easily apply it to textbooks and articles. Reading is my downfall; I’m very slow and comprehension varies.” — Lea, Canada

“One of my professors recommended switching out of in-class learning for some of my courses. I went from failing those classes to getting top marks. I struggled to pay attention and complete work in a formal classroom setting. Being able to do class work on my own time and at my own pace at home, without distraction, made a huge difference.” — An ADDitude reader

“Back when I was in school, everything involved note taking — no tech support or hacks. The biggest help for me was writing everything down and often going back later to rewrite my notes, because it was often a jumble of thoughts that came out on paper. Rewriting allowed me to rethink and reorganize the information in my head. I am also very visual, and I often sketched the information or ideas out as I listened so that I had a visual cue.” — Laura, Oregon

“I am in school, and this is evolving. I find accommodations do less than flexible environments. Traditional, lecture-based classes are challenging for me. However, collaborative or self-directed processes where I can follow my creative and critical thinking are where profound learning occurs.” — Denielle, New Mexico

“Along with regularly zoning out because of my ADHD, I also end up dissociating a lot. I got a notetaker and extra time on tests, which was great, but the game changer was simply having two blank pieces of paper to cover the rest of the page on exams and assignments. My girlfriend, who also has ADHD, found color coding useful. She has categories (general notes, dates, formulas, important people, etc.) and has assigned a color to each category. In class it means she must be focused to know when to switch colors… and in studying the color variety, makes it easier to stay engaged without getting overwhelmed. This strategy also helps her skim notes when looking for a fact — she already knows what category it’ll be in.” — Jessica, New York

“I was not diagnosed when I was in college, but in reflecting back, I was very intentional about allowing my interest levels to drive my course selections and my approach to assignments.” — Alma

“Listening to music, taking my work outdoors, putting on a familiar show or film at a low volume while I wrote papers, always having food near me, and living at home during my undergrad experience helped. The latter meant I could focus on school and not all the adult skills I would have also needed to master in the dorms or in off-campus housing. I knew I wasn’t ready for that and college at the same time.” — Margot, California

[Download: Find Your Passion with This ADHD “Brain Blueprint”]

“Repetition! Repetition! Repetition! Writing material three to four times, or using it three to four times, is what helped me during college when I wanted to learn a new vocabulary word.” — Erin, Texas

“I made sure that every single day after classes, I sat down and worked through as much as possible. Immediately. I was never on top of [my assignments], but this saved me from [my assignments] being all on top of me.” — Debbie, South Africa

“Having a dedicated study routine really helped me. I was undiagnosed all through college, and I started out with really bad grades. I was able to pull them up by building a routine where I scheduled breaks between classes to study.” — Tiffany, Maryland

*Some reader responses have been edited for clarity.

College Students with ADHD: Next Steps

• Download: How to Focus (When Your Brain Says ‘No!’)
• Read: The College Survival Guide for Students with ADHD
• Read: Why Your Teen Must Learn to Advocate for Himself

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Sources

¹ National Center for Education Statistics. (2022, April 26). A majority of college students with disabilities do not inform school, new NCES data show. https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/4_26_2022.asp

² Parker Harris, S., Gould, R., & Mullin, C. (2019). ADA research brief: Higher education and the ADA (pp. 1-6). ADA National Network Knowledge Translation Center. https://adata.org/research_brief/higher-education-and-ada

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ADDITUDE
Since 1998, ADDitude has worked to provide ADHD education and guidance through webinars, newsletters, community engagement, and its groundbreaking magazine. To support ADDitude’s mission, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Click each image below to read detailed advice and strategies for the school year ahead.

In a recent ADDitude survey, less than half of educators said they receive formal training to help them understand and effectively teach students with ADHD and its comorbid conditions. Many teachers rely on the expertise and ideas of their students’ families, which is why ADDitude has created this guided, curated email learning series to equip caregivers with accurate, up-to-date information about ADHD, plus realistic and effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD in the classroom.

Your training will begin immediately with an introduction to ADHD and executive dysfunction, myths and misinformation that impact learning and self-esteem, and ideas for starting off the school year right. Each week, you will receive a new lesson about effective accommodations, common learning differences and behavior problems associated with ADHD, homework strategies, social skills help, and much more…

PART ONE: ADHD Misinformation
PART TWO: ADHD Accommodations
PART THREE: Distractibility and Inattention
PART FOUR: Weak Executive Functions
PART FIVE: Behavior Challenges
PART SIX: Homework Problems
PART SEVEN: Learning Differences
PART EIGHT: Social Struggles
PART NINE: School Collaboration
PART TEN: Motivation and Resilience

NOTE: This resource is for personal use only.

As The Washington Post recently reported, the Adderall shortage is causing disruptive and frustrating ripples in the academic and social lives of students with ADHD.

New limits on controlled drug supplies, paired with increased demand for that supply and lingering supply chain disruptions, have touched millions of patients prescribed ADHD stimulant medication. The medication shortage, now entering its eighth month, has had a jarring effect on families, especially the parents who are expected to manage their kids’ modified treatment plans and adapt to the pain points of tracking down and trying out new medication options.

Recently, ADDitude asked parents and teachers: Have you noticed the impact of the ongoing Adderall shortage on any of your students’ school and homework performance? Their classroom behavior?

Their answers point to a domino effect wherein the Adderall shortage has caused constrictions in other medications’ supplies. The cost of alternative, name-brand drugs can run significantly higher than Adderall, causing a financial burden that not every family can sustain.

Inadequate medication coverage is causing some children to experience behavioral problems in the classroom. Some students are not consequently showing up for school, or they’re being kept home, according to caregivers, roughly half of whom also have ADHD. Adults who relied on Adderall, including teachers, say they are struggling to attend to their own responsibilities — many of which directly impact their kids. That includes getting to school on time, reviewing homework, and sticking to a consistent routine.

[Download: Free Parenting Guide for Caregivers with ADHD]

The Adderall shortage may be temporary, but the repercussions could have a lasting emotional, social, and academic impact on developing kids. Hear what caregivers had to say about the Adderall shortage, below, and contribute your experience in the Comments section, above.

Adderall Shortage: Impact on Students with ADHD

“Some children who had used Adderall in the past have been changed to a different medication. The interruptions, resets, and resumption of new medications is noticeable in the classroom. Management tools and strategies are very helpful at these times.” — Jo Ann, Missouri

“The Adderall shortage is creating huge anxiety in my daughter, which leads to migraines. She does not function as well on other medications.” — Lisa, New York

“We couldn’t get the medications we needed, and had to get Vyvanse. It’s working, but the first fill was $400 with insurance. Not everyone can bear that, which may stop people from taking their medications at all. Neither of our two kids can do homework well without ADHD medications.” — An ADDitude reader

[Read: Could You Be Saving Money On Your ADHD Medication? Find Out Here]

“I am a teacher who has ADHD. For myself, luckily, I haven’t experienced a shortage for the slow-release Adderall, yet. For my students, absolutely. I noticed a huge increase in the number of students who fail to turn in assignments on time or fail to come to school.” — Noelle, New York

“We were briefly affected by the Concerta shortage prior to Adderall and, yes, it was difficult. My son relies on his daily medication to function. If I cannot give it to him, I will keep him home from school because I cannot send him into battle without the proper weapons to be successful. During those few months, I had to be proactive in contacting different pharmacies within short periods of time. I was also prepared to pay for the name brand out of pocket if we could not access the generic, as insurance would not cover the name brand.” — Amanda, North Carolina

“I have not noticed this, but the high cost of Vyvanse has definitely affected some of the lower-income high school students that I teach. Many lower-income families simply cannot afford it and are forced to use a drug that is less effective.” — Donna, Texas

“As a person, I need my Adderall to function. As a mom, I need my Adderall to support my kids. The shortage has left me unable to drive for field trips, get my kids to school on time, or even get out of bed at times.” — Lacey, California

“I am not always made aware if/when my students are on medications and/or when they stop, start, or change. However, I have observed changes in certain students’ behaviors (e.g. increased inattention, increased physical impulsivity).” — Theresa, Georgia

“As a teacher, it is a difficult (and blurry) line when it comes to medications and students. I have to assume a lot of students are medicated, but because their parents have not shared this with the school, I may not know for certain. And even if the information has been shared with the school, that doesn’t mean I am privy to that information as a classroom teacher. So, at this moment, I really don’t know if there are students who are being impacted by the Adderall shortage. What I know is that personally I am, and it makes my days very difficult.” — Brianna, Iowa

“My 14-year-old son started a generic Concerta this year for the first time. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t find a pharmacy to fill the generic. Eventually, I figured out that my insurer’s online pharmacy could fill a brand name Concerta prescription. In the meantime, about three weeks went by when my son struggled more with homework and tests. I am told the Concerta shortage is a result of Adderall patients seeking alternatives.” — An ADDitude reader

“Our oldest son with ADHD is already out of college and working. I know the shortage has affected his ability to feel like he’s performing well at his new job. He’s developed other strategies that he’s implementing (through years of CBT), but I have noticed that things seem to be more of a struggle than they were a year ago for him.” — Jenny, South Carolina

“I am a preschool teacher; my students are largely unmedicated. However, the shortage has affected my co-workers and some of the parents of my students in a noticeable manner. One parent-teacher conference devolved into hysterical laughter because everyone forgot all the important paperwork. I’m lucky I found a non-stimulant option for myself.” — Holly, Washington

“I am no longer a teacher, but I can say that for me, personally, I am having a hard time completing any tasks, and I am surprised I am even completing this task right now. I suppose it’s because I have other, what I might consider more important things to do, and answering this question is a distraction.” — Marisa, Georgia

“I was worried for my son, but his psychiatrist worked out other medication options with him.” — Cathy, California

Adderall Shortage: Next Steps

• Download: ADHD Medication Tracking Log
• Read: What Do You Mean You’re All Out?
• Read: A Patient’s Guide to Overcoming ADHD Medication Disruptions

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Hi Procrastinating Mom,

As an ADHD student coach for teens and college students, I have worked with kids labeled “procrastinators” or called lazy, weak, and even stupid (I hate all those words!) for as long as they can remember. I routinely challenge those students’ parents — and the students themselves — to look at “procrastination” through a different lens.

Here’s the definition I use when coaching my student clients and their parents:

Procrastination is the act of putting something off or not doing something despite knowing that a negative consequence is likely to happen.

When we describe procrastination, we often leave off the second part of my definition — knowing a negative consequence is likely to happen.

Delaying something (particularly from someone else’s point of view) doesn’t necessarily make your son a procrastinator. Think about it: We all put off things occasionally; we say we’ll do it later; we don’t always finish what we start. When that happens, there’s often no horrible, earth-shattering, life-is-over consequence. This is important for students with ADHD to hear.

[Free Download: How to Focus (When Your Brain Says ‘No!’)]

Why Procrastination Works for ADHD Brains

Waiting until the last minute works for some students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges. A looming deadline activates and jumpstarts their engines, making them uber-focused on completing their work with their creative juices flowing freely.

Procrastination may be a hard pill to swallow for parents who get things done two weeks in advance (I’m like this.), but that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective or bad. When my son was younger, I had to remember that he worked best as a “last minute kind of guy,” and getting him to do things way in advance stunted his creativity and productivity. It made the work harder for him and the tension in our house harder for me. (I’m not proud.)

I constantly hear from my students that they feel powerless and want control over their time and tasks. In other words, they want agency as to when and how they accomplish their work. Remember, getting motivated to do what someone else determines is important or timely is truly difficult for all of us — even more so if that structure clearly doesn’t work for you.

A Different View of Procrastination

Let me share one story to illustrate my point.

Many years ago, I was parent coaching a mom of a 16-year-old, who shared with me a conversation she had with her son that changed her mindset and how she viewed her son’s “perceived procrastination.”

[Self-Test: Does My Child Have ADHD?]

It was Thursday afternoon, and he had a short paper due by Monday at 11:59 p.m. He didn’t feel the urgency to work on it during the weekday, although he had free afternoons. He was planning to write it on Sunday morning. It was his only assignment that weekend, and he liked knowing his deadline loomed close. The paper didn’t require research, just reflection, and he was confident that this plan worked best for him. His mom voiced her frustration repeatedly as he tried to explain his thought process. After a bit of back and forth, her son quietly said, “You can yell at me all you want at midnight on Monday if my paper isn’t done. But not a minute before.”

Quite powerful, no?

Here’s my advice: Allow your son to trust his instincts. Give him the choice and control to make his own decisions and let him lead the way. You’ll know — and he’ll know — if it’s the right path.

Good luck!

Procrastination: Next Steps

• Read: Why Procrastination Is OK
• Read: Procrastination Guide for Parents
• Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity
• Watch: This Video Explains How to Combat Procrastination

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Tell any reluctant reader that it’s time to tackle summer reading and you’ll endure groans, moans, and major eye rolls. Though it’s sold as “fun and stimulating,” summer reading is anything but for many readers with ADHD and learning differences. For these kids, who dread cracking open a hardcover, audiobooks may be the secret to unlocking summer growth.

Audiobooks can build and bolster reading skills for a wide range of kids, a fact supported by research. A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience mapped the brains of participants while they listened to content vs. read it in print, and it found the brain responded the same way to the content, regardless of its format.

For kids with dyslexia who struggle to decode books with grade-level content, audiobooks offer the ability to access more sophisticated (and often more engaging) writing, which strengthens reading abilities and nurtures an interest in books. For some kids with ADHD who find sitting still and attending to the page tedious, an audiobook can provide just the right kind of stimulation and motivation.

Not all audiobooks are created equal, though. So, we’ve amassed a list of 10 amazing middle grade audiobooks that combine attention-grabbing voice talent with attention-keeping story lines and characters. While the books span genres — from fantasy to historical fiction and everything in between — what they all have in common is engaging writing and narration that will pull reluctant readers right in and keep them hooked.

Hi PlanningMom:

Studying for exams is a juggling act, especially when it needs to happen alongside a student’s daily assignments and activities. It’s easy for students to drop a ball. This is why planning is essential for productivity and time management. I teach my student-coaching clients how to study by creating a plan using the following seven steps.

Building an ADHD Study Plan: 7 Steps

Step #1: Create a Calendar

I always start my study planning sessions using 8 1/2 X 11 unlined paper or my preprinted Study Planning Guide, which you can download for free on my website. Using paper allows you to easily see the whole picture immediately.

Working backward from the exam day, I have students create a two-week calendar if the exam is scheduled for the beginning of the second week. If the exam is toward the end of the week and they’re only planning for one exam, a one-week calendar beginning on the weekend may be all they need.

Next, I have students add the exam date and mark off any days or times they cannot study — Saturday afternoon, Tuesday after school, etc. This allows them to visualize available blocks of time and anything that might get in their way of studying. Finally, I tell students to enter the days and times of study groups or review sessions on the calendar.

[Free Download: Learning Tools that Improve Productivity]

Step #2: Define What Topics Will Be Covered

I caution students to be careful with this next step. Referencing an exam as “Study for ancient history test” or “Study for Mesopotamia exam” is too vague and can cause overwhelm or task avoidance.

Instead, students should break studying into manageable parts and hone in on specific topics. I have students answer this question: What topics will be covered on the exam?

The answer may look like this:

• The seven gods
• System of government
• Religious system
• Inventions
• Cultural influences on other empires

See the difference?

Students can then assign each specific topic to a study block.

Bonus tip: Students unsure about what will be covered on an exam should head back to the syllabus, textbook chapters, or old homework for clarification and confirmation.

Step #3: Take Stock of Study Tools

Students often miss this step. Study tools, especially non-boring ones, are essential to a successful study plan. (Read more about study tools and how to incorporate different modalities or experiences into the study practice in the ADDitude article “Q: Why Does My Son Meltdown When It’s Time to Study?”

[Free Download: What Are Your Teen’s Weakest Executive Functions?]

Students can take stock of their study tools by asking three questions:

1. What tools will I use?
2. What tools do I already have?
3. What tools do I need to create?

The answers may include:

1. What tools will I use? (Flashcards, YouTube videos, attending study groups, review sessions, etc.)
2. What tools do I already have? (Old homework, teacher’s study guide, etc.)
3. What do I need to create? (Flashcards, outline, etc.)

Step #4: Determine the Time Needed to Study

This step takes practice to perfect because there are many factors for students to consider, such as:

• Do I feel confident in the material?
• Do I need to create many new study tools?
• Is this exam cumulative? Will it cover material from the beginning of the year?
• Did I finish all the reading required for the exam?

Step #5: Assign Subject Blocks to Specific Days

There are a few rules of thumb to follow when assigning blocks of time to a study schedule:

1. Start studying at least three to four days before an exam. Doing so gives students extra padding if the unexpected rears its ugly head. What happens if there’s no time to study on Tuesday, but Monday is wide open? This also allows students the flexibility to make necessary adjustments. Study time can be doubled on Monday if Tuesday is jam-packed, or students can begin studying on Sunday, for example.
2. Only schedule study blocks for 45 minutes to one hour. Students’ brains need a much-needed break after focusing for that length of time.

Bonus tip: A study group or teacher-led review session counts as a study block.

Step #6: Assign Specific Tasks to Each Block

The calendar might look something like this if the test is on Friday.

• Monday: Create flashcards.
• Tuesday: Review old homework and quizzes. Answer textbook questions. Redo old homework.
• Wednesday: Watch YouTube videos. Review study guide. Attend the 4 p.m. study group.
• Thursday: Take the practice exam. Review all material.

Bonus tip: On the first day of a study plan, set up and create any needed study tools. My student-coaching clients find that separating the setup from the actual studying prevents procrastination and eliminates the difficulty of “getting started.”

Step #7: Transfer the Study Plan to Planners or Electronic Calendar

This is a crucial last step! Students must have easy access to their study plans to see when, where, and how they will study. Make sure to add study plans to paper planners, phone calendars, tablets, etc.

Good luck!

How to Study: Next Steps

• Learn: How to Study Effectively with ADHD – Tips for Students
• Read: Smart Study Techniques for Any Type of Test
• Download: Smart Homework Strategies for Caregivers & Teachers
• eBook: The Parent’s Guide to Raising a Teen with ADHD

ADHD Family Coach Leslie Josel, of Order Out of Chaos, will answer questions from ADDitude readers about everything from paper clutter to disaster-zone bedrooms and from mastering to-do lists to arriving on time every time.

Submit your questions to the ADHD Family Coach here!

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

In ADHD grandfamilies, grandparents are raising or helping to raise their grandchildren for a variety of reasons — while simultaneously learning how to parent and support a neurodivergent child, often for the first time. So much has changed in our understanding of ADHD and its comorbidities, and grandparents are working hard to catch up and help out.

If your grandchild has ADHD, you likely struggle with kickstarting the morning routine, tackling and turning in homework, doing chores, and even sitting at the dinner table. Navigating your role as a grandparent—whether you’re raising your grandchild or just contributing to childcare—requires patience and energy when your grandchild presents with inattentive, hyperactive and/or impulsive behavior.

In this webinar, grandparents will learn:

• About the three presentations of ADHD and how each can affect a child’s life at home, at school, and in peer relationships
• About evidence-based behavior management strategies to improve interactions with your grandchild
• How to address everyday struggles, such as getting ready in the morning, starting and completing homework, following directions, and balancing screen time
• How to avoid common pitfalls, such as yelling and using escalating threats

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Download or Stream the Podcast Audio

Click the play button below to listen to this episode directly in your browser, click the symbol to download to listen later, or open in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts; Google Podcasts; Stitcher; Spotify; Amazon Music; iHeartRADIO.

More on ADHD Grandfamilies

• Download: 3 Rules for Organizing Your Child (or Grandchild)
• Read: “Let Me Tell You How ADHD Runs in My Family”
• Read: A Strong Foundation

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on April 26, 2023, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker:

Caroline Mendel, Psy.D., is the Senior Director of Clinical Services for School and Community Programs and a psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of youth with ADHD, disruptive behavior, and other co-occurring conditions. She is skilled in behavioral parent training approaches and is a certified parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) therapist. She also has experience providing evidence-based interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Follow ADDitude’s full ADHD Experts Podcast in your podcasts app:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon Music | RadioPublic | Pocket Casts | iHeartRADIO | Stitcher