ADHD in students has been known to create significant challenges in the learning environment. This neurodevelopmental disorder can make tasks like focusing on school work, completing tasks and managing behaviours incredibly difficult for students.
Despite these challenges, ADHD in students can be managed with the necessary support. Hence, the team at Waystone Psychology would like you to know about ADHD, how it affects students and a few ways to help.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that has been diagnosed in people of all ages. It is identified through acts of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.
The symptoms of ADHD can be very different when comparing two people and they are known to change as time goes on and people get older. Some may show inattentive symptoms, others may display hyperactive symptoms, and others may have an amalgam of the two signs.
ADHD is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or relevant healthcare personnel using a thorough examination that analyses a patient’s symptoms, medical history and other issues to determine definitively.
How Does ADHD in Students Affect Schoolwork?
The inattention, hyperactivity and lack of focus caused by this condition can be detrimental to a student’s performance in school and their social life. These effects include:
- Difficulty paying attention during class, completing assignments that needed a period of sustained focus or performing tasks with multiple steps.
- Inability to effectively and efficiently manage time and organise schedules, leading to losing track of deadlines and wasting time.
- Struggles with impulse control that can disrupt other students and negatively affect the learning environment.
- Challenges with recognising and adequately responding to social cues that prevent positive relationships with teachers and other students.
- Reduced performance in academic work which creates an increased risk of failure.
How Can Parents & Teachers Help Students With ADHD?
Even though the outlook seems bleak, many measures can facilitate the learning process for neurodivergent students. Parents and teachers working in unison can provide the necessary support and intervention to help them achieve academic success. Some ADHD student tips include:
Structured Routine
Consistency in all things can help students with ADHD thrive in and out of the classroom. Parents can create a routine for meals, homework, leisure and rest for students at home. Teachers can do something similar in school concerning academic expectations, classes, extracurricular activities, etc.
Simplified Assignments
Complicated tasks or those requiring multiple steps can be difficult for atypical students. Parents and teachers can help by breaking down the tasks into smaller ones that they can manage easier. Providing clear instructions and positive feedback can also help students perform better.
Facilitate Focus
Students with ADHD are easily distracted, especially in noisy and visually stimulating environments. Parents can create a quiet environment with no distractions when they need to study. Teachers may find this more challenging to achieve but they can use pictures, diagrams, and other visual aids during class to help their students focus. By giving atypical students more opportunities to focus, they increase their chances of success.
Reward and Reinforce Positively
One of the most effective ADHD student tips is to build their self-esteem through praise and rewards when they succeed. When neurodivergent students’ confidence is high, they can motivate themselves without much effort and achieve more. Positive reinforcement techniques, at home and in the classroom, are key to facilitating the process.
Using these ADHD student strategies can help those with the condition adapt better to the learning process and derive as much as they can from it. These tips might not work for all atypical students, but they can help find techniques that assist their learning.
Waystone Psychology – Psychoeducational Assessments & Treatments
ADHD in students creates significant obstacles in their ability to learn in school. Providing assistance and resources for students with ADHD to facilitate learning will increase their ability to succeed academically.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns concerning ADHD and other neurodivergent issues. Waystone Psychology specialises in evaluating and assessing a child’s intellectual and academic abilities to provide learning strategies that are specifically tailored to the individual. With our help, atypical children can improve their reading, writing and math skills. Choose us for an evidence-based approach that ensures the best results possible.