Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can pose learning challenges for children, students, and adults.
Understanding ADHD and learning is important for creating supportive learning environments. By knowing how ADHD affects learning, parents and teachers can incorporate inclusive teaching strategies.
In this guide, we look at the relationship between ADHD and learning. From the classroom to everyday life, and how it can impact education.
Table of contents
- What is the impact of ADHD on learning?
- Learning strategies for children with ADHD
- An ADHD diagnosis doesn't define what can be accomplished
- Looking for ADHD support for your child?
What is the impact of ADHD on learning?
Children with ADHD may experience challenges in various aspects of learning. These challenges can affect academic progress if not recognised and catered to.
Some areas where those with ADHD may be impacted can include:
Concentration
This can affect a child's ability to concentrate on tasks. Children with ADHD may struggle to focus on schoolwork, leading to difficulties in understanding and retaining information.
Communication/interaction
ADHD can impact a child's communication and interaction skills. They may find it challenging to engage in meaningful conversations, follow instructions, or express themselves.
Memory
Memory concerns are common in children with ADHD. This makes it difficult for them to recall information learned in class or during study sessions.
Inattentiveness and avoidance
Inattentiveness is a sign of ADHD and can result in avoidance behaviours. Children may seek distractions or make excuses to avoid challenging academic tasks.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Children with ADHD may display hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. This can disrupt the learning environment for themselves and their peers.
Social and emotional difficulties
Children with ADHD may struggle to form and maintain relationships with peers. This can be due to social difficulties stemming from their experiences of the world around them.
Cognitive skills
Children with ADHD may experience difficulties with writing, reading, organising their belongings, and expressing their emotions verbally.
Learning strategies for children with ADHD
Understanding how a student with ADHD sees the world is an important part of teaching them. ADHD can cause confusion, and lead to negative thoughts. By understanding how a student with ADHD thinks, educators can better accommodate their needs.
Learning strategies for children with ADHD may include, but are not limited to:
- Hands on learning: Learning by experience can be a great way for students to retain attention. This could be done through acting, team-based exercises, and making models.
- Structured classroom routines: Routines are found to have a positive effect on students with ADHD. Following routines and using visual aids, such as homework reminders on the whiteboard, can help students stay organised and remember tasks.
- Reduce distractions: Placing children away from potential distractions can allow them to focus more easily. Reducing any barriers between the teacher and student can make it easier for them to understand instructions.
- Allow for movement: Allowing movement can reduce fidgeting and restlessness. This can be anything from taking water breaks to incorporating some slightly more physical learning strategies.
- Positive feedback: Praise can help reinforce students that they are doing the right thing. If a student is incorrect, working through their answer with them helps them to understand where their answer could be improved.
- Assign work to the appropriate skill level: Students with ADHD may shy away from tasks that they feel are too difficult. By communicating with students and parents, teachers can set work that effectively challenges the student, but without affecting their confidence.
An ADHD diagnosis doesn't define what can be accomplished
ADHD brings unique strengths and talents that can be celebrated.
ADHD is often associated with traits such as creativity, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking. Students should embrace these strengths and use them to their advantage in pursuing goals and aspirations. Parents and teachers should consistently reinforce these traits.
While ADHD may present challenges in areas such as focus and organisation, there are strategies and support available to help navigate these obstacles. From utilising organisational tools and techniques to seeking guidance from mentors, plenty can be done to ensure children thrive academically and beyond.
Don't hesitate to reach out for support and guidance when needed. Whether it's from family, friends, teachers, or mental health professionals, surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide encouragement, perspective, and practical assistance in pursuing aspirations.
Looking for ADHD support for your child?
An ADHD diagnosis can allow children and adults to get the educational support they may need. At Clinical Partners, our mental health specialists are here to support you and your family.
If you are interested in exploring an ADHD assessment and would like to get in touch, you can request a free confidential call back from one of our trained assistant psychologists.
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