Effective Homework Strategies for Kids With ADHD

Students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are especially prone to schoolwork problems because of their symptoms. Those who suffer from ADHD, whether or not they take medication, often have problems organizing tasks and paperwork, paying attention to instructions, finishing what they start, and getting motivated to begin a task. Homework, especially among children and adolescents, also requires bringing home the correct books and adhering to due dates. However, parents have several ways in which they can help with effective homework strategies for kids with ADHD.

Routines

• ADHD kids especially need routines and the accompanying structure, according to ADDitude magazine. As far as homework, parents should set specific times and a location in which the child must complete his assignments. Start the afternoon routine with 30 minutes for your child to have a snack and unwind from the school day. Then sit your kid at the designated homework location, ideally a desk or table with all the necessary supplies and few distractions. Depending on the assignments, you will want to allow your child about an hour in the afternoon to work.
  Monitor your kid to ensure she is not taking too many bathroom or stretch breaks. ADHD kids usually need to have about five minutes of break time for every 20 minutes of homework. Be available to answer any homework questions that may arise. At the end of homework time, check your child's work carefully and offer any editing suggestions. Make sure you are not changing or doing your child's homework during this process, and always offer praise for good work.

Additional Strategies

• Some ADHD kids finish their homework correctly but then fail to turn it in on time. Parents can alleviate this risk by creating a "completed assignments" folder and ensuring their child places it in his backpack before returning to school.

Food and Medication Considerations

• If your child cannot effectively complete even basic tasks despite your setting up and practicing homework routines, check her diet. Research from institutions such as the University of South Carolina and Yale University show that sugared foods and drinks can worsen hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD. If you are not feeding your kid these foods, it could be possible he is obtaining them at school.

  Some children on ADHD medication may need an afternoon or evening dose, but always check with your doctor before making any dosage changes. Children not on ADHD medication may do better under drug therapy, but this decision is always best left to the parents and doctor rather than through social or school administrative pressure.