Studying is tough for anyone. It’s hard to plan, motivate yourself, and carve out the time to get that headspace right. It is even harder if you have ADHD, and something inside your head is determine to distract you from the revision you know you ought and even want to be doing. Here are some tips on how to study with ADHD that we found useful in the run up to, and during, exams. Regardless if you have had an adult or children’s ADHD assessment, these are great study tips anyway.
Let’s dive into how study tips for ADHD, but beforehand, do check out the other ADHD resources for parents and teachers we have on the site.
How can ADHD affect studying and revision?
Studying and revision are key parts on the road to success in school. Studying allows students to review the material they have learned and helps them to prepare for exams. We have found that studying and revision can be rather difficult for kids, and even adults with ADHD. Switching the ADHD brain from one task to another, particularly when that task requires a lot of brain power is tough. In addition, it can be hard to focus, stay organised, and remember information.
How to study with ADHD: Tips for teens and adults
There are a number of things teenagers, and adults with ADHD, or even those waiting for a diagnosis, can do to cope with studying and revision. These include:
- Setting realistic goals. It is important to set realistic goals for studying and revision. Trying to study too much material in too short a time will only lead to frustration. Break down studying and revision into smaller tasks and set realistic deadlines for each task.
- Creating a study schedule. A study schedule will help you to stay on track and make sure you are studying all of the material you need to cover. Break down your studying into smaller tasks and schedule time for each task.
- Finding a quiet place to study. A quiet place will help you to focus and avoid distractions. Find a place where you will not be interrupted and where you can concentrate on your work.
- Taking breaks. It is important to take breaks when you are studying. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes. This will help you to stay focused and avoid getting bored.
- Use a variety of study methods. Some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening or by doing. Experiment with different study methods to find out what works best for you
- Reward yourself for your efforts. When you complete a study task, give yourself a small reward. This will help you to stay motivated and make studying more enjoyable.
- Get some fresh air and exercise. Going outside and getting that blood flow has a proven effect on concentration, and can lift your level for an hour at least afterwards.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with studying, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, teachers, or friends. There are also many resources available online and in your community that can help you with studying and revision.
How can parents help their teens with ADHD cope with studying and revision?
Parents can help their teenagers with ADHD cope with studying and revision by:
- Creating a supportive environment. Make sure your teenager knows that you are there to support them and help them with their studying. Let them know that you believe in them and that you know they can succeed.
- Providing resources. Make sure your teenager has the resources they need to study effectively. This includes providing them with a quiet place to study, providing them with study materials, and helping them to create a study schedule.
- Monitoring progress. Check in with your teenager regularly to see how they are doing with their studying. Offer encouragement and support, and provide help and guidance as needed.
- Seek professional help. If your teenager is struggling with studying, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist, coach, or counsellor can provide your teen with additional support and guidance.
ADHD can make studying and revision difficult, but it is not impossible. With the right support, your teen can do it!
Remember that exams aren’t everything too
Remember, you are not alone. it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get what you were expecting in those exams either.
There are so many paths to success in life, and exams aren’t everything.
Our society can sometimes feel so geared towards success at school and exams that those that aren’t switched on like this feel a failure.
There are many successful people that dropped out of school, and our family won’t love us any less if we didn’t get an “A”. It is often worth reminding any child, but particularly those with ADHD, that exam success doesn’t define them. As parents, and carer’s, we are there to help our children reach their potential, whatever and wherever that may lie.
If you like this article, why not sign up to our newsletter?
We have loads of other articles on ADHD to check out too?
ADHD on KiddyCharts Part 3
Here are a selection of articles from KiddyCharts on ADHD - do check out all of them on our resources pafge though.
ADHD and lying: Why do kids do it, and what can you do about it all?
Sometimes ADHD kids can lie - find out why this happens, and what you can do about it here.
What to do when ADHD and stealing collide
ADHD and stealing can potentially coexist - we look into what causes this and strategies for helping.
ADHD sleep issues: 10 tips to help your ADHD kids sleep
If your child had ADHD, they may also struggle to sleep. Check out some of the suggestion on how you can help, as well as how they can help themselves.
Alternatively, you can check these out as well:
More ADHD articles from the internet
Here are some more articles from the internet that are about ADHD. Why not check these out too?
ADHD support for parents - actions to implement now
An article giving a little background on the condition on Motherhood Diaries. Not sure there is live experience here, but it all helps!
Sensory Overresponsivity and ADHD
Another article looking at the sensory issues that can be associated with ADHD.
How Homeopathic Remedies Can Help With Your ADHD
This isn't something that we have explored, but it is worth taking a look at if you feel that it might help your ADHD or you children's.
We would love to see you back here again.
Take care,
Helen
This is a collaborative post.
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!