ADHD can make homework feel overwhelming for any kid, but especially for kids with learning disabilities and thinking differences. I worked with a young boy who struggled with both ADHD and autism and often had total meltdowns after school when his parents tried to make him do his homework. He’d cry that he felt stupid, he’d kick and scream, and he’d say that the assignments were too hard and he wasn’t going to do them. After a lot of trial and error, we finally came up with a handful of tips that changed everything. Homework time turned into something he dreaded less and less, and he was eventually able to complete most of his assignments with only minimal support.
Table of Contents
1. Set a Deadline
A schedule can help kids with ADHD manage their time and stay on track. But when setting these deadlines, keep them short and flexible. Aim for small victories and don’t worry about getting the entire assignment done in one sitting. Plan for lots of breaks! For example, instead of saying “you need to finish all of your math homework tonight,” try setting a timer for fifteen minutes of focused work before a short movement break.
2. Break it Down
Large assignments and complex projects often feel overwhelming for kids with ADHD. To overcome this, help your child break big assignments down into smaller, more achievable pieces. This can transform frustration into focus, creating a roadmap towards successful completion. Let’s say they have a book report due in two weeks. Brainstorm with them how to break the task down into smaller daily goals – maybe they’ll read one chapter per day, or make an outline one day, and then write a rough draft on another day.
Read more: 5 Tips for Managing ADHD in Kindergarten
3. Study in Short Bursts
Kids with ADHD have a harder time staying on task for long stretches of time, so studying in short bursts can improve focus and avoid overwhelm. Instead of a marathon homework session, try aiming for twenty-minute work periods followed by short movement breaks. For younger children, this timeframe might be even shorter.
4. Create a Space
Finding the right study environment makes all the difference. Kids with ADHD need to minimize distractions and find a space with everything they need close at hand. Try to find a quiet space with good lighting and an uncluttered surface to spread out. Before homework time, have them gather all their books, writing utensils, and any other materials they’ll need, so they don’t have to get up and break their concentration.
Goally | The Tablet for Neurodiverse Kids
5. Take Breaks
Regular breaks boost focus and motivation for all kids, and especially for those with ADHD. But not all breaks are created equal. Aim for breaks that involve movement to help kids release pent-up energy and regain their focus. A game of tag in the backyard, a quick dance session, or even a few sets of jumping jacks can work wonders.
6. Track Your Assignments
As kids get older, they’ll have more and more assignments coming from multiple teachers, which can make things feel overwhelming and chaotic. Keeping track of everything is key, even for younger children. Whether it’s an electronic calendar, a Google Doc, or a simple homework planner, help your child write down their assignments and due dates in a format that works for them.
Read more: ADHD and Homework: How to Get Kids to Focus
7. Reward Yourself
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrating the effort along with the end result is important. Let’s say your child’s goal was to focus on their homework for twenty minutes without getting distracted. Even if they didn’t finish the entire assignment, acknowledge their effort and offer a reward. Perhaps that means fifteen minutes of screen time, a favorite snack, or some one-on-one time before bed.
Additional Tips
| Technique | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Noise-canceling headphones or white noise | Blocks out distracting sounds |
| Fidget tools | Provides a tactile outlet for excess energy |
| Visual timers | Helps children understand the concept of time |
| Chewable jewelry | Can provide oral stimulation and reduce fidgeting |
Remember that consistency is crucial. It may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for your child. It’s okay to experiment, and don’t get discouraged if some things don’t stick at first.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Homework doesn’t have to be a battle. Using the right strategies and fostering a positive and supportive environment can make all the difference for kids who struggle to stay organized, focus, and complete assignments. Be flexible, patient, and don’t be afraid to seek additional help if you need it.
Additional Resources
- Understood – Offers practical information and resources for parents of children with learning and thinking differences
- ADDitude – Provides research-backed ADHD strategies and support
- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – National resource on ADHD
FAQs About How to do Homework with ADHD
How can I help my child with ADHD focus on homework? Some strategies that can help your child focus include creating a designated study area, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, using visual aids, and providing positive reinforcement. Is it okay to give my child with ADHD breaks while doing homework? Yes, taking short breaks can actually be beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help them recharge and refocus their attention on the task at hand. Should I help my child with ADHD with homework or let them do it on their own? It's important to strike a balance between offering support and allowing your child to work independently. Encourage your child to ask for help when needed, but also give them the opportunity to problem-solve on their own. What are some common challenges that children with ADHD face when doing homework? Some challenges include difficulty with sustained attention, poor organization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. Can technology be helpful for children with ADHD while doing homework? Yes, there are many apps and tools that can be beneficial for children with ADHD, such as timers, organizational apps, and educational games that promote learning in a fun way.
This post was originally published on 12/28/2020. It was updated on 03/05/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
