Desk Organization for ADHD Teens

Supplies

• If possible, give your teen with ADHD two sets of supplies, one to leave on his desk at home at home and one for his school desk or locker. This should include textbooks. This way, books and papers are less likely to get lost between home and school. Also, make sure your child has the right supplies. For example, a folder with pockets may be easier for your student than a three-ring binder.

Notebooks and Folders

• Make it easy for your teen to quickly locate what he needs in his desk. Give him a separate notebook for each subject, and color code each one. For example, use a green folder and notebook for science, a blue notebook and folder for history, etc. Separate folders can be used for homework that needs to be done, and homework that has been completed. Help your teen clean out these papers once a week, keeping what he needs, refiling anything that has been misfiled and tossing what is no longer needed.

At School

• Ask your child's teacher to place your teen's desk at the front of the room, or closest to where she gives instructions. Allow time once a week for your student to go through her desk and discard any papers she no longer needs. Keeping her schedule taped to her desk will help her remind what she needs to do when and keep her from getting off-track. You may also want to tape reminders to the desk, such as "Do you have your assignment book and your lunch bag?" to help her remember everything she needs to bring home.

At Home

• Your teen should have his own space for homework, and he should do his homework in the same place at the same time every day. Remind him to keep this space as clutter-free as possible. Have supplies, such as pencils, pens, and paper, readily available, and allow your teen to keep this space as his own -- do not let other family members take or "borrow" supplies from his desk. It may be helpful to hang a master schedule over his desk reminding him of due dates, appointments and social activities.