It has been months since a pandemic lockdown started. At the beginning of the pandemic school-age children and adult/college age students with ADHD noticed benefits (self-guided pace, movement breaks) and drawbacks (no one-on-one interaction, heavy reliance on self-motivation) of virtual learning. The common hurdle for all students, regardless of whether ADHD is a concern, is focus.
Many students are faced with virtual or hybrid learning this fall in an effort to “curb the spread” of COVID-19. Unfortunately, these new learning environments add a level of complexity for students, particularly those who have difficulties with attention and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that can be particularly torturous.
A Little Background on ADHD ADHD stems from an underproduction of two neurotransmitters in the brain—dopamine and norepinephrine that are linked to one’s ability to focus. Stimulation activates the prefrontal cortex, triggering dopamine and making it easier for someone with ADHD to stay on task. In order to get the neurotransmitters needed, people with ADHD latch on to the tasks that are stimulating, like playing a favorite game or reading something that they find enjoyable. Because these activities are pleasurable it is easier to hyper-focus and on a single task.
Why can’t you just focus?!
ADHD is not necessarily a deficit of attention, but rather a problem with regulating one’s attention span to desired tasks. So, while mundane tasks may be difficult to focus on, others may be completely absorbing. An individual with ADHD who may not be able to complete homework assignments or work projects may instead be able to focus for hours on video games, sports, or reading. So many kids with ADHD are perfectly capable of intense focus on things that are very exciting to them, like video games, but they can’t maintain that kind of focus on things that aren’t immediately rewarding, like schoolwork, putting on their shoes, or going to bed.
Some people may find that, when the situation calls for it, they can “buckle down” and force their brains to focus. People with ADHD may even immerse themselves so completely in an activity that they want to do or enjoy doing, that they become oblivious to everything around them. This concentration can be so intense that an individual loses track of time and ignores their responsibilities.
ADHD: Tips for Successful Virtual Learning
With parents turning to online or virtual school programs as a way to increase children’s safety and protection from contracting COVID, it is important to understand how to make the learning environment one where students can be successful. Consider these tips for successful virtual learning:
Structure and Planning… with Flexibility
Home-based learning removes a lot of structure that people with attention issues need. Routines are important for everyone, but especially for people with attention issues. Wake up every morning, get dressed and eat breakfast at the same time as if they were going to in-person school. Without a clear daily schedule, it’s easier for tasks to be delayed and opens up the probability for procrastination. Set alarms on a smartphone or computer to go off when it’s time to switch classes, take breaks, or turn in work. With younger children, check in often to make sure they stay on schedule and show up for classes on time. Your child should take their ADHD medicine at the same time as usual. Reinforce the need to stay on track but cut the student some slack. When faced with a new learning Platform, it can be challenging to stick to a schedule, manage time, and stay focused. Expecting these challenges will decrease frustration for the student and the educator (parent).
Mimic the School Environment
People with ADHD don’t struggle with paying attention in general as much as they struggle with concentrating and sustaining attention on the right tasks. When someone is struggling from inattention, anything around them in their environment can grab their attention and steer them off track. Make sure to allow time for breaks for them to take a walk, eat a snack, or play a video game. Most people with ADHD are only be able to focus for about 45 minutes at a time. Giving the brain a rest often will help to avoid burnout.
Visual Schedules for Focus
Develop a schedule or plan for each day. Post it in the learning area or in a shared online document. Include all classes, tests, and assignments. Some parents have found giving a child a schedule and allowing them to cross off each item when it is complete is helpful. Another approach is to have a white board with sticky notes and assignments on the notes for daily completion, starting each day with a least favorite subject and then end with a favorite subject can be helpful.
Banish Distractions
If possible, set up a quiet study area in your home that’s free from visual distractions like windows or posters on the walls. Some people with attention issues find putting up pieces of cardboard on either side of the computer to act as blinders and to block distractions works for maintaining focus. Turning off the TV, Alexia, or other device with noise will also assist to increase focus. Put away the cell phone and other electronics so there is not additional temptation. Since school takes place on the computer, decrease distractions for younger children by blocking access to distracting websites. Programs like Freedom or Cold Turkey, or Google Chrome extensions like Dayboard or Forest can help.
Foster Social Time
Many students with ADHD also struggle with social skills. Even if school hasn’t been the greatest environment for a child to meet friends, they still need a social environment where they can work on social skills. Online school leaves little time to work on those skills, so be sure to build in opportunities in other ways such as a homeschool group, a social skills class, or extra-curricular activities. When clubs or team sports aren’t an option, set up phone calls with friends and family or virtual playdates on FaceTime or Skype.
Have Tolerance for Movement
When someone suffers from ADHD, the urge to move around is often strong. This might mean fiddling with a pen, shuffling feet, tapping fingers, and even standing up and moving around after a certain period of time. This kinetic connection is one way how they learn and process information– so fidgeting may actually help the student to pay attention. Desk work all day burns them out.
Don’t Over-Manage
Virtual learning puts parents into the role of teacher. Not every parent has the time or patience to handle this job, especially when they also have to work from home. Keep in mind that your child learns independence by managing their own schedule. Oversee the school day, but don’t hover or take over.
Stay in Touch
Check in regularly with your child’s teachers and other members of their school support team by phone or email. They can help you understand what strategies work for your child and let you know how your child is progressing with their classes. You can also tell them about concerns you may have. If there has been an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan for ADHD in younger students or special accommodations for older students, they are still active with virtual learning. Talk to school staff about how they can provide the services and accommodations needed.
Virtual learning is challenging, and for ADHD students and parents, it can be particularly difficult. Thankfully, trying these strategies and utilizing available resources can make remote education a positive and safe solution to in-school learning. Recognizing that each child learns differently and needs different supports is the first step. Being willing to adapt and pivot when things aren’t working is the second step. Keeping these things in mind will not only help students with ADHD but also help parents survive this year, and who knows, it may even make this one of the best year yet.
