When ADHD manifests in the classroom, it often doesn’t fit the stereotypes we expect. Teachers might see behaviours that look like carelessness or defiance, but these can actually be signs of ADHD. Recognising these less obvious challenges can make a big difference in supporting students effectively.
Here are seven common, but often misunderstood, ways ADHD can impact students in the classroom, along with practical strategies to help.
1. Struggling with Transitions Between Activities
Imagine a student who continues reading despite being told it’s time to switch to a science lesson. This difficulty in shifting from one task to another is common among students with ADHD.
What’s Happening: ADHD affects executive function, making it hard for students to move their attention from one activity to another. They may become so absorbed in what they’re doing that they don’t register the instruction to change tasks.
How to Help: Offer a gentle transition period by giving a warning several minutes before the change. Help the student pause their current task rather than stopping abruptly, and where possible, assist them individually with starting the new activity.
2. Difficulty Organising Tasks and Following Instructions
Some students might seem slow or disinterested when asked to prepare for a lesson, such as gathering supplies for a math class. This isn’t necessarily defiance—it can be a sign of ADHD.
What’s Happening: ADHD can impair a student’s ability to organise their actions and manage multiple steps at once. Instructions that require them to shift focus, find materials, and start working can be overwhelming.
How to Help: Simplify instructions by breaking them into smaller, sequential steps. Consider using visual aids, such as written lists or diagrams, to guide students through the process.
3. Difficulty Fitting in Socially
A student who is often alone during break times or doesn’t participate in group activities might be experiencing social difficulties related to ADHD.
What’s Happening: ADHD can make social interactions challenging, as students may struggle to follow conversations or miss social cues, leading to misunderstandings with peers.
How to Help: Provide guidance on social skills and positive reinforcement when the student interacts successfully. Encourage a classroom culture of understanding and acceptance, teaching all students to appreciate differences.
4. Excessive Talking or Interrupting
A student who continues to talk after the class has been asked to settle down might be displaying a common symptom of ADHD.
What’s Happening: Impulsivity is a hallmark of ADHD, making it difficult for students to control their urge to speak, even when they know it’s time to be quiet.
How to Help: Teach and practice self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or counting to ten before speaking. These strategies can be introduced before they’re needed, so students are prepared when the situation arises.
5. Forgetting Necessary Materials
Forgetting to bring pencils, books, or completed homework to class is a frequent issue for students with ADHD.
What’s Happening: Forgetfulness in ADHD stems from challenges with memory and organisation. Students may genuinely struggle to remember what they need to bring, despite their best intentions.
How to Help: Work with the student to create a system that helps them remember essential items, like a checklist or a special place to store supplies. This can reduce frustration and help the student feel more in control.
6. Slower Progress in Reading
If a student isn’t advancing in their reading skills as expected, ADHD might be a contributing factor.
What’s Happening: ADHD can hinder reading progress by affecting attention and comprehension. Students might have difficulty focusing on reading tasks or retaining what they’ve read.
How to Help: Early intervention is key. Assess for additional learning challenges and provide tailored support for reading. Break down reading tasks into manageable parts and offer encouragement to build confidence.
7. Not Meeting Potential Despite Ability
A student who seems to breeze through work without putting in much effort might suddenly struggle as the academic demands increase.
What’s Happening: ADHD can lead to difficulties in managing time and planning, which become more problematic as the student advances in school. This can result in a student not fully reaching their potential, despite being capable.
How to Help: Help the student manage larger assignments by breaking them into smaller tasks with clear deadlines. Provide tools for time management and encourage the student to start work early to reduce stress.
By recognising these often-overlooked challenges of ADHD, teachers can adopt strategies that not only address these issues but also empower students to succeed in their academic journey.
Mirka
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