ADHD Organization Tips

Individuals with ADHD find getting organized to be challenging. Time-management and sequencing skills take practice. A cluttered home and busy schedule add to the problem. Learning organizational skills for use at home as well as work or school will go a long way toward improving time management and reducing stress.

School

• ADHD children can use color to help organize subjects in school. A red folder for science can be complemented with a red spiral notebook for notes. Allow the child to choose the color they associate with that subject. Centralize the folders into a single binder and review the contents daily. A daily planner can be used to record assignments and their due dates. Use a planner with space for the teacher to include notes on upcoming projects and events. Review the planner daily. When longer projects are assigned, break them into smaller, more manageable parts. Give each part a due date, and review progress frequently. Daily tasks such as sharpening pencils or choosing lunch can be written on a to-do list and placed where the child can review it daily.

Home

• To-do lists should remain short and be reviewed regularly. Designate a place or use plastic containers to organize specific items. Items needed for school go in one container, items for after-school activities in another and those needed for work in a third. Verify nightly that each container has everything that will be needed for the next day. This reduces time spent looking for lost items when under a deadline. Using a clear plastic shoe holder can reduce clutter in a bedroom. Hang the shoe holder where it is easily visible, and place items that would normally be tossed on the floor into the shoe holder. Use a family calendar to organize activities. Each person can choose his or her favorite color for writing their activities. Color coding will allow a quick review to avoid overbooking.

Work

• Color-coding files and folders by subject helps locate items quickly. Clearly mark all files and folders. Automate reminders using technology as much as possible, and create repeated reminders for reoccuring items. Create to-do lists daily in a notebook, using a new page for each day to ensure consistency. Learn to say no when schedules are already full. Electronic calendars such as outlook can also utilize color coding. Print schedules each day, and keep them handy for frequent review and update.