ADHD and COVID-19: 5 Suggestions for Academic Success

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most children are needing some extra guidance on how to navigate this academic school year virtually.  Students who have ADHD already struggle with sustained attention, distractibility, and forgetfulness in daily activities.   Students are missing the social aspect of school and the structure that the classroom provides.  Let’s discuss some helpful tips for our students with ADHD.

Five Suggestions for Academic Success:

1. Daily Routine.  Students with ADHD can really benefit from a visual schedule to help with time management.  Know your student’s virtual school schedule so that you can help your child manage their daily schedule. Find a convenient place to display their daily schedule.  Let your student be creative in designing the schedule with artwork and color.  Suggest color coordinating the schedule per class (for example blue is math, english is green…)   Encourage your student to wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time.  Make sure to make time for eating breakfast and lunch. Remind them to take breaks in between classes to go to the kitchen for water and a snack and go to the bathroom.  Encourage your child to put in their best effort in completing assignments then reward him/herself with a fun and pleasurable activity.  

2. Distraction free area at home.  Help your child develop a space that is just for school.  Keep minimal items on the desk or table so that only the essentials are available.  Ask you student where they want to put their folders, pens, pencils and help them stay organized. Help your student understand the value in a clutter free space. If possible, have a visible calendar, either daily or weekly, in their study area as mentioned above. 

3. Clear expectations.  All students thrive when they know what to expect especially students with ADHD.  Help your child set realistic daily school goals.  Teach and encourage your student to add an extra 15 - 20 minutes to their schedule for the unknowns like wifi problems or printing problems.  Help your student understand what the teacher expects of him/her and have the same expectations at home. 

4. Movement.   Encourage your child to take movement breaks in between classes.  Research shows that physical activity and movement helps increase decision making, attention and learning. According to Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, with physical activity, executive function performance can improve in about 20 minutes, and ADHD symptoms can reduce in intensity after 30 minutes of exercise.  Remind your student that exercise is also a great stress reliever .

5. Rewards.  Students with ADHD can flourish with rewards.  Ideally use rewards first to improve behavior.  Compromise with your child on rewards for accomplishments. For example, if your student completes his/her homework before dinner time, make his/her favorite meal that day or allow your child to select the movie for family movie night.  Recognize your child often for being on task and getting work done like giving them a high five. Express how proud you are of your child when she/he demonstrates great effort.

If you want additional support, please contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation.  Call me at 858-243-2684.