LibGuides: Learning Differences: ADHD

What is ADHD?

What is ADHD? by How to ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that causes difficulties with concentration and attention. ADHD affects every person differently. There are three types of ADHD:

Inattentive - Students may appear quiet and to be daydreaming, may appear as if they are not paying attention during lectures or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive - Students may appear extremely energetic; unable to sit still; and may make impulsive decisions such as interrupting, intruding and risk-taking.
Combined - Students may experience both types of symptoms.

ADHD is often also connected to anxiety and overthinking.

Strengths

Image credit: Donovan, D. (2019). Also ADHD [Illustration]. https://www.adhddd.com/comics/ | @danidonovan | adhddd.com |patreon.com/danidonovan

Learning Strategies for Students

These learning strategies might be useful to help you manage your study

Limit distractions	Find a space in your classroom or study area where distractions are minimal. This may mean: sitting at the front of the classroom so you can only see your tutor turning you back to windows so you can't see people passing by closing your laptop screen and putting your phone away Listen to white noise or music without lyrics to help you focus Try this free app for some background sounds
Be creative	Support your memory by using these techniques or these techniques. Try using mnemonics, creating rhymes or songs, drawing picture and diagrams, and using colour instead of just writing words.
Choose interesting topics	If you get to choose a topic for an activity, choose something that really interests you.
Find a study buddy	Find a study buddy and work alongside each other You can help each other stay on track, problem solve together, and have study related conversations
Set focus times	Set a timer for short bursts of time. This could be for as little as 20 minutes. During this time, plan to focus on one activity. After that, take a break. Set a short timers for your breaks too. Leave your screen and take a walk. Try this pomodoro timer. Your study times and break times have been set for you. Or try this timer app if you want a visual timer.
Write to-do lists / menus	To-do lists and menus are great because they can help you see what needs to be done, and can help you stay on track. Create lists or menus for different assignments or course modules. Tick them off as you complete them. Use the Assignment Scheduler to break your assignment into smaller tasks with a time line. Turn longer instructions into bullet points.
Putting your ideas into writing	Make a mindmap of list your ideas and key points before starting to write. Copy and paste the tasks from your course descriptor into a Word document. This can help you plan and structure your thoughts. Talk through your ideas with someone before writing them down. Use the free Dictate feature on your device. This was you can speak your thoughts and your device will type them for you.
Set alarms	If you find that you forget appointments or due dates, set reminders in your phone calendars. Set them for the due dates, as well as for a few weeks ahead.
Managing anxiety	Try some of these grounding techniques to help manage any anxiety you may be experiencing. Check out this video for tools on managing stress and anxiety through neuroscience
Reward yourself	Plan a reward once you have completed a certain task. This could help you maintain motivation and finish your task quicker.

Take a moment: Choose one or two learning strategies to try this week.

Click here to download and print these learning strategies

Teaching Strategies for Tutors

The best things you can do to support your students with ADHD are:

Get you know your students and their learning preferences.
Learn more about ADHD

These strategies may be useful when teaching students with ADHD


Create supportive learning environments	Show patience and tolerance when teaching students with ADHD. Let them feel safe in the classroom. Think about the sensory input that students may be perceiving. Limit this where possible. Ensure there is a calm space students can work with limited distractions, as well as a space where they can go to re-energise themselves if they are feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate regular breaks with time to move around.
Develop predictable routines	Provide a clear structure of each lesson at the beginning of each class. Set learning objectives for activities and classes. Be consistent with routines where possible. Let students know what time they will be able to take breaks. Provide user-friendly class timetables and planners
Give clear instructions and information	Give clear, detailed instructions in unambiguous language in multiple formats (verbal, visual, written). Break tasks and instructions down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Use numbered bullet points that can be ticked off once complete. Use Moodle to share lecture slides and course resources prior to class. Teach effective learning strategies, as well as model organisation and time management strategies.
Present content in different and engaging ways	Enhance your verbal communication with visual cues, such as using charts, pictures, videos in your teaching. Facilitate active and engaging activities suitable for shorter attention spans Point out key information through highlighting or underlining. Support memory weaknesses by using mnemonics, repetition, visual maps, colour, reviewing prior learning, etc. Summarise what you have covered at the end of each session.
Use visual cues	Establish some personal cues between you and your students to signal when they may need time out or when they need to be refocused. This could include the Turn-A-Card system, or hand signals. Use visual timers and provide friendly reminders of time limits.
Facilitate group activities	Mix up how students are grouped. Use a range of tutor-selected and student-selected groups. Provide structure in group activities with clear tasks and time frames. Check in with students to ensure they stay focused and on track.

Students with ADHD can bring energy and life to your classroom. They are creative, imaginative and curious. Draw on their strengths to create an environment where students with ADHD will thrive.

Click here to download and print these teaching strategies
The Differentiation Diviser by Mike Gershon
For more ideas, take at look at The Differentiation Diviser. It include 80 different ways to differentiate to cater to all students.

Does this sound like you?

Want to check if you might have ADHD?

Click the arrow on the right to answer some questions.
If you answer yes to many of these questions, then you might be experiencing the effects of ADHD.

This self-assessment can give you an idea of whether you might have ADHD. It shouldn't be used to diagnose yourself. Talk to your Accessibility Coordinator for more information.