Learning Tools for Teenagers With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can make it difficult for teenagers to focus, learn and be successful in school. Along with medications and behavior modification plans, teens can use learning tools to help them reach their full potential when it comes to academics. According to ADDtitude, an online magazine focusing on attention deficit disorder, parents should focus on the most-pressing problems and look for techniques and products that help address these needs. By employing distinct strategies, teens with ADHD can improve in the areas of organization, attention span, and memory and time management.

  1. Organizers

    • An important part of helping your teenager with ADHD be successful is making sure he is organized. ADHD teens have difficulty focusing for long periods of time and may become frustrated when it seems there are too many things to do. Having an organizer that is easy to use can help the ADHD teen manage short tasks for brief amounts of time. Organizers allow ADHD teens to see progress in completing their school work as they check off each task. It also allows them to take breaks after completing each task which is an important part of managing ADHD. ADDitude Magazine suggests using a personal digital assistant -- though a smartphone with an appropriate calendar or datebook app would work as well -- to help teens keep track of assignments, activities and other task throughout the day.

    Classroom Placement

    • Teens with ADHD are easily distracted. A simple but effective learning tool for teens who struggle is classroom placement. Moving to the front of the classroom near the teacher naturally cuts down on distractions during instruction time. Being near the front also helps during quiet study, test taking and work time, as those who sit in close proximity to the teacher are less-likely to disturb the class. James J. Christ, Ph.D., recommends teens not only ask to sit near the teacher, but also away from other distractions such as windows and doors.

    Written Instructions

    • Teens with ADHD who ask for written instructions from teachers rather than relying on verbal notes do better in school. Written instructions can come in the form of notes passed out in class or classroom notes, calendars and requirements posted on a teacher̵7;s website. If your teen has trouble taking notes clearly while in class, have him ask for help from a friend or classmate who is willing to share the notes he or she has taken. Written instruction in the form of notes or other resources helps teens with ADHD double check that what they are hearing in class is accurate. The Sharecare.com website also suggests talking to your teen̵7;s teacher to request written instructions for each homework assignment given.

    Accommodations

    • Accommodations for your teen with ADHD can be some of his most important learning tools. Accommodations involve asking your teen̵7;s teacher for extra help in certain areas to make his ADHD easier to deal with while in the classroom. Sharecare.com recommends asking each teacher to simplify and repeat instructions, break down classroom and homework assignments into smaller tasks and allow your teen to record daily classroom lectures to listen to again later.

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