Tips to Help Kids with ADHD Focus in School

ADHD can make it harder for kids to focus, finish work, and interact with others in school. This can affect how they learn and build friendships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7 million children in the U.S. between ages 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While these challenges can feel overwhelming, the right strategies and support can help kids with ADHD focus in school and succeed in life.

Helping children with ADHD thrive often requires expert guidance. Ellen Braaten, PhD, is a Mass General Brigham psychologist and executive director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. She works with children and families to understand ADHD and learning disabilities and trains other professionals to help kids succeed. In this article, Dr. Braaten explains how ADHD affects children in school and shares practical tips for parents and teachers to help to help kids with ADHD focus.

Understanding how ADHD affects children in school

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that impacts how children think, act, and manage their energy. It can make tasks like following instructions, staying focused, and sitting still much harder than they are for other kids. Dr. Braaten mentions that these difficulties are tied to three main symptoms: impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Together, these symptoms shape how children learn, interact with others, and behave in class:

• Impulsivity. Kids might act without thinking, interrupt others, or struggle to follow instructions. This can make it hard to form friendships and get along with teachers.

• Inattention. Children may lose focus easily, miss important details, or forget instructions. This makes it harder to complete tasks and stay organized.

• Hyperactivity. Sitting still can feel impossible. Children might fidget, leave their seat, or disrupt the class.

Most kids with ADHD have a mix of these symptoms. For example, a child may be very hyperactive but also struggle to pay attention. These challenges can lead to frustration and low self-esteem if not addressed.

Signs a child with ADHD is struggling in school

Knowing when ADHD symptoms interfere with a child’s ability to learn or connect with others is key to providing the right support. Dr. Braaten mentions that these challenges can show up in many ways, often making school a stressful experience for both the child and those around them. Kids with ADHD may find it harder to keep up with their classmates, complete assignments, or form positive relationships.

Understanding the right signs can help parents and teachers address problems early and set children up for success. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Trouble completing assignments. Kids with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks that require sustained attention, planning, or organization. They may start homework, but leave it unfinished, or forget to turn it in altogether.

• Challenges with writing. Organizing thoughts, starting a new task, or keeping focus to finish written work can be difficult. This can make long writing assignments feel overwhelming or result in incomplete work.

• Difficulty with reading. Many children with ADHD have trouble retaining information or staying engaged while reading due to working memory challenges. They might reread the same passage several times or lose their place in the text.

• Social difficulties. Interrupting peers, missing social cues, or feeling excluded are common struggles. These issues can make it harder to build friendships or participate in group activities.

Many children with ADHD also have learning disabilities. In fact, up to 60% of kids with ADHD meet the criteria for a learning disability at some point, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. These combined challenges can make school feel overwhelming, but identifying them early allows parents and teachers to provide support.

ADHD accommodations at school to help kids focus

Accommodations are changes that make it easier for children with ADHD to learn and stay focused. These adjustments help reduce distractions and give kids a clear plan for completing tasks. Finding the right ADHD accommodations at school can help children build confidence and succeed in the classroom.

Dr. Braaten says it’s important to match accommodations to each child’s needs. The following accommodations can help kids stay focused and succeed in school:

• Preferential seating. Sitting near the teacher or at the front of the room can help reduce distractions, like side conversations or hallway noise. It also makes it easier for the teacher to check in and give reminders.

• Breaking tasks into smaller steps. Long assignments can feel overwhelming for kids with ADHD. Dividing them into smaller steps makes tasks easier to manage and helps children stay on track.

• Repeating directions. Children with ADHD may need to hear instructions more than once. Repeating directions or providing them in writing helps ensure they fully understand what to do.

• Flexible testing environments. Some kids focus better in a quiet space, while others may do well with soft background noise. Offering different testing environments can help children perform their best.

Accommodations should fit the needs of each child. Some kids may need extra time to complete tasks, while others might need a different strategy. Teachers and parents can work together to find what works best for the child.

ADHD classroom strategies to help kids focus

Teachers can use creative ADHD classroom strategies to help children stay engaged and organized. These approaches encourage focus and active participation:

• Establish routines. Children with ADHD thrive in predictable environments. Having a consistent schedule for daily activities helps them feel secure and know what to expect. Clear routines also make transitions, such as moving from one subject to another, smoother and less stressful, reducing overall anxiety.

• Use visual aids. Tools like charts, checklists, and color-coded schedules give children a clear and simple way to follow along with tasks. These aids help kids stay organized, remember what’s next, and feel more confident completing assignments independently.

• Group work. Partnering children with ADHD with supportive peers can create a balanced dynamic where everyone contributes. This teamwork not only builds social skills, but also allows children to play to their strengths while learning how to collaborate effectively.

• Give clear instructions. Breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps ensures that children with ADHD don’t feel overwhelmed. Making eye contact and confirming understanding can also help them focus and follow through without confusion.

• Incorporate movement. Physical activity can help children release built-up energy and refocus their attention. Adding short movement breaks or options like standing desks lets kids manage their energy levels while staying engaged in learning.

These strategies not only support children with ADHD but also create a more inclusive classroom for all students.

How parents can support ADHD focus strategies at home

At home, parents play a key role in helping children with ADHD stay organized and focused. Using simple ADHD focus strategies can create an environment that supports their success. Here’s how to create a supportive environment:

• Set a routine. Regular schedules reduce stress and help kids know what to expect, making transitions easier.

• Experiment with study spaces. Some kids need quiet environments, while others focus better with light background noise or music.

• Use visual reminders. Post schedules or to-do lists in visible places, like on the fridge or bathroom mirror, or bedroom door.

• Reduce stress. A calm, low-stress household makes it easier for kids to focus and process information.

• Collaborate with teachers. Share what works at home and ask for tips to create consistency between home and school.

Every child is unique, so be patient while finding the right strategies for your family.

FAQs about ADHD in children

What are the early signs of ADHD in young children?

ADHD symptoms often start to show around preschool age (3 to 5 years). Signs include:

• Children may have a hard time switching from one activity to another.

• They might be very active, like running around the classroom.

• They often struggle to control their impulses.

• They may also have trouble sleeping or settling down when it’s time to rest.

Children may also struggle to focus flexibly, meaning they find it hard to shift their attention between tasks or stop an activity when needed.

How is ADHD diagnosed in children?

ADHD assessments vary based on the provider. Pediatricians may use checklists and patient history to identify ADHD, while psychologists or psychiatrists may conduct detailed interviews and gather input from parents and teachers. Detailed tests can check for ADHD and other issues like memory, learning, and problem-solving. These tests are usually only needed if a child has other challenges, or if common strategies haven’t been helpful.

Are there non-medication strategies for managing ADHD?

Yes, many non-medication approaches can help children with ADHD. These include:

• Exercise. Physical activity improves focus and reduces hyperactivity.

• Sleep routines. Making sure kids get enough sleep every night is very important for managing ADHD symptoms.

• Motivational strategies. Explaining why a task is important can help kids stay interested and engaged, even with less exciting activities.

• Breaking tasks into smaller steps. Dividing big tasks into smaller parts can make them easier to handle and less overwhelming.

Are there specific activities or exercises that build focus in children with ADHD?

There aren’t special exercises that treat ADHD, but physical activity can help kids focus and manage their energy. Short movement breaks during school, or homework and activities like yoga or sports can be very helpful.

Helping kids with ADHD do their best

With the right support, kids with ADHD can succeed in school and in life. When parents and teachers understand how ADHD affects learning and behavior, they can create a plan that works for each child. Simple changes, like making routines, giving accommodations, and staying flexible, can make a big difference. With patience and teamwork, kids with ADHD can face challenges, build confidence, and reach their goals.