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Staying Focused with ADHD

 As a student with ADHD, it can be challenging to stay organized and focused in school. However, there are a number of strategies that can be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms and improving academic performance.

A group of students at Epic Charter Schools was surveyed. Here are the six most commonly identified strategies that may be helpful for your student(s) with ADHD in managing their symptoms and improving their academic performance:


  1. Use a planner or schedule 

Having a consistent schedule and using a planner can help students with ADHD stay organized and on top of their responsibilities.


  1. Take breaks and practice self-care

This may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.

 

  1. Use assistive technology 

There are many tools available to help students with ADHD stay organized and focused. These may include apps for tracking assignments, note-taking software and timer programs. Some favorites include Bionic Reader and the microphone tool in Google Docs.

 

  1. Find a support system 

It can be helpful to have a network of friends, family and your Epic teacher, all of whom can provide encouragement and assistance when needed.


  1. Seek professional help as needed 

If symptoms of ADHD are affecting a student's academic performance or overall well-being, it may be helpful to seek the help of a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help them develop coping strategies and work on skills such as time management and organization.


  1. Keep your comfy shoes on 

Yes, you heard that right. Wearing comfortable shoes can contribute to an overall sense of well-being and potentially can help with focus. While there is no scientific cause-and-effect relationship to this suggestion, enough people do it that it can be a great additional strategy for combating attentiveness and distraction.


Having ADHD should not stand in the way of our students and their goals. Whether your student wants to join the military, attend a college or university, enter the workforce directly, or take a gap year to travel before making any decisions, overcoming the pitfalls of ADHD will be necessary to finding their best version of success.  


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