As exam season approaches, parents of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may face unique challenges. ADHD is a neurological condition that makes it difficult for children to control their impulsive reactions. These reactions include actions ranging from physical movement to verbal expression and focus. Although any child may have trouble focusing, sitting still, or following instructions, children with ADHD exhibit these behaviours more frequently and intensely. This can significantly impact their daily functioning. However, parents can help their children navigate this challenging time with tailored strategies and support.
Children with ADHD may find exam time particularly stressful. They struggle to focus, organize their work, and manage their time well. During exam time, it is essential to use focused techniques that respond to your child’s particular needs.
- Establish a Structured Routine: For children with ADHD, having a regular daily schedule in the lead-up to exams can offer much-needed stability. Make sure your child’s schedule includes specified times for studying, breaks, and downtime. By maintaining consistency, it can help lower anxiety and increase productivity and focus.
- Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Lengthy study sessions may be too much for children with ADHD, causing frustration and disengagement. Encourage your child to take one task at a time by breaking down the study material into smaller, more manageable chunks. As a result, this approach can minimise feelings of overwhelm and foster a sense of achievement upon completing each task.
- Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Minimise distractions in your child’s study environment to help them stay focused. This may involve setting up a quiet study area away from noise and visual stimuli, such as television or mobile devices.
- Utilize Visual Aids and Timetables: Visual aids like timetables, checklists, and colourful reminders can be very beneficial for children with ADHD. Along with your child, create a visual study schedule that lists all assignments and exam dates. Consequently, visual cues can improve organisation and help your child adhere to their study objectives.
- Implement Effective Study Techniques: Let your child try out various study methods to see which ones suit them best. Active reading, summarizing information, and using mnemonic devices are a few strategies that can help increase knowledge and retention. Try a variety of approaches until you identify the ones that work best for your child.
- Communicate with Teachers: Keep lines of communication open with your child’s teachers. Make sure they are aware of any special needs during exam time. Discuss helpful accommodations or support techniques, like extra time for exams or preferred seating arrangements.
- Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small: Recognise and honour your child’s efforts and accomplishments during the exam period, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their self-esteem and motivation, encouraging them to keep going in the face of difficulties.
In conclusion, helping a child with ADHD during exam season requires understanding, patience, and proactive techniques tailored to each child. By putting these tips into practice and creating a supportive environment at home and school, parents can help their children approach exams with resilience, confidence, and a sense of empowerment. Remember, exam time is not just about academic success but also about nurturing personal growth and resilience in the face of challenges.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Seray Soyman is working as a Clinical Psychosexologist within the Willingness team, providing psychosexual education and sexual support sessions, as well as delivering training and workshops. She has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychosexology from the Sapienza University of Rome. Seray’s research interests are sexual communication, sex-positive behaviour, LGBTQIA+ studies, and sexual health.
References
Ashley, S. (2005). The ADD & ADHD Answer Book: Professional Answers to 275 of the Top Questions Parents Ask. Sourcebooks, Inc.
CDC. (2021). What is ADHD?. Available from: https://www.ummeed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Know-ADHD-English-BOOKLET-Reading-Format-compressed_2.pdf [Accessed 17 March 2024].