‘They’re Simply Wired Differently’: 10 Ways To Help Teens With ADHD Get Through Exams

Pesce Huang on Unsplash" />With GCSEs now well underway and A Levels set to kick off next week, parents might be wondering how to help their kids during the stressful, not to mention anxiety-inducing, period that is exam season.Yet parents of kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might notice traditional revision methods – such as long study sessions, revision flash cards, and silent reading – simply don’t work for their teens. In fact, these methods can instead lead to frustration, erosion of confidence and possible burnout, according to The ADHD Centre, which specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support of children and adults with ADHD.Dr Mukesh Kripalani, a psychiatrist from the centre, said: “Young people with ADHD aren’t lazy or unmotivated, they’re simply wired differently and need to revise differently.”As such, he said it’s important for parents to create a study environment that meets their child’s specific needs.“Once parents understand that ADHD affects all aspects of learning and that there are simple measures that help them help their child, then everything begins to change,” he added.“A thought-out approach reduces tension, improves communication, and creates a calmer, more supportive experience for both parent and child.“The child feels understood, and the parent gains clarity on how to truly help.”Exam season tips for teens with ADHD1. Get moving Experts at The ADHD Centre recommend starting the day with something energising like exercise, dancing or a brain teaser to “help them get going”. Get outside for some fresh air and movement at least twice a day, they added.2. Encourage them with practical study toolsWhether that’s mind maps, voice notes, walking while revising, and saying things aloud – let them revise in a way that works for them, not how you think they should be revising. The ADHD Centre has also shared a free ebook on this, too.3. Plan together Build a flexible and realistic revision schedule together. 4. Try not to nag!The experts said saying, “how can I support you today?” will go a lot further than a blunt: “You need to revise.”5. Keep it short and focused 25-minute bursts with breaks in between are more effective than marathon sessions, added staff at The ADHD Centre. Get them to put a timer on and remind them to take breaks.6. Remove distractionsAllow helpful stimulation like music or fidget toys but, if possible, remove unhelpful distractions like their phone.7. Stay calmIf they see you panicking, they’re probably going to panic too. “Stay calm, set mini-deadlines or small challenges to harness the ADHD brain’s need for momentum,” said the experts. “This will also help you stay patient.”8. Boost their confidenceTeens with ADHD can be hard on themselves so it’s really important to praise effort and remind them of what they’re good at.9. Work with their body clock Some teens focus better in the evening. Be flexible with when and how they study – this is their agenda, not yours.10. Make sure they take regular breaksThis is really important to prevent overwhelm. Plan things they can look forward to, like an outing, trip to their favourite restaurant or carving out time to see friends. Best of luck!Related...'I Was 34 When I Got My ADHD Diagnosis – It Changed My Life Forever'5 Things To Stop Saying To A Child With ADHDI Was A 'Problem Child'. Here Are 3 Parenting Rules I Now Swear By

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