By Nichole Cleland-Bittner, Arizona State University. Part of Nichole’s neurodiversity newsletter series, written during her Parents2Partners internship.
Teaching students with ADHD can be both rewarding and challenging. These strategies help create a supportive learning environment.
- Learn about ADHD and how it affects learning and behavior.
- Keep routines predictable and post daily schedules and expectations.
- Create a calm, organized room with a quiet work area and visual reminders.
- Teach through several senses: visual, auditory, and hands on.
- Break tasks into smaller steps with clear instructions for each.
- Use positive reinforcement to motivate and build self esteem.
- Build in movement, like stretch breaks or short activities.
- Use technology wisely, choosing helpful tools and limiting distractions.
- Encourage self advocacy so students ask for help or a break when needed.
- Plan frequent short breaks, such as five minutes after every 25 minutes of focused work.
- Offer flexible seating like standing desks or wobble seats.
- Use visual organizers such as color coding, mind maps, and checklists.
- Build trusting relationships so students feel safe asking for help.
- Partner with parents and caregivers on progress and strategies that work.
- Be patient and empathetic, and avoid punitive discipline.
Every student is unique. Stay flexible and adapt these strategies to each child. When you learn how to teach neurodiverse students well, you learn how to teach all students well.