College student overcoming ADHD and executive functions

Starting college is a thrilling next step in a child’s academic career, but for students with ADHD, it can feel like navigating a maze. Picture this: Sarah, a high school senior, excitedly receives her college acceptance letter. But amidst the joy, there’s a hint of worry. Her executive functioning and ADHD have always made school challenging. As a parent, you wonder, “How can I help my child thrive in this new chapter?” We’ve explored some strategies in Part 1 of this series and will now add some tips and tricks for how to study in college for students with, and even without, ADHD.

Set Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is the cornerstone of success for students with ADHD. Goals provide direction and a sense of purpose. Research has found that “grade goals” consistently reflect actual grade outcomes. Students can rise to the task when they know what it is they are aiming for.

How to Set Effective Goals

1. Be Specific: Instead of “study more,” try “study chemistry for 30 minutes daily.”
2. Make Them Measurable: Track progress with a checklist.
3. Ensure They’re Attainable: Set realistic goals to avoid frustration.

Create a Routine

A consistent routine can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with ADHD. Having set routines helps improve focus and time management. It allows students to structure their lives to include time for studying, self-care and social pursuits. It gives structure and can help avoid pitfalls like doom scrolling and excessive gaming time.

Building an Effective Routine

1. Start Small: Introduce one new habit at a time.
2. Be Consistent: Stick to the routine, even on weekends.
3. Use Visual Aids: Calendars and planners can be lifesavers.

Prioritizing Tasks

Learning to prioritize tasks is essential. It ensures that important assignments are completed on time and reduces last-minute stress. It is all too easy to get bogged down completing tasks that can wait for another day while avoiding a task that looms large with a quickly approaching deadline.

Techniques for Prioritization

1. The Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks by urgency and importance.
2. Daily To-Do Lists: Keep lists short and manageable.
3. Time Blocking: Allocate specific times for different tasks.

Practicing Self-Control and Focus

Self-control is crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. Without the ability to govern yourself it is easy to ignore even the best-made to-do list and the greatest routine will not be adhered to. Often parents have been responsible for making sure routines were followed and tasks followed through on. In college students are taking steps toward independence and developing the ability to do it on their own.

Tips for Practicing Self-Control

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Helps improve focus and reduce anxiety.
2. Pomodoro Technique: Break work into intervals with short breaks.
3. Limit Distractions: Create a dedicated, distraction-free study space.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is a vital skill for students with ADHD. It involves understanding their own needs and effectively communicating them to others. Often students with learning disabilities have received needed support with the help of their parents. University is a time for them to branch out and learn to find the help they need on their own. Some steps can be taken to be sure they are ready for the challenge.

Steps to Effective Self-Advocacy

1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with college disability services. Know where their offices are and what resources they can provide.
2. Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your needs to professors and peers. Be sure to know when professors’ office hours are so you can seek them out at a time when they are ready and willing to help.
3. Seek Support: Join support groups or find a mentor who understands ADHD. While self-advocacy is about finding independence a part of that can be finding strength in others who understand the situations the student is facing.

Final Thoughts

College can be challenging for students with ADHD, but with the right strategies, success is within reach. By setting goals, creating a routine, using technology, prioritizing tasks, and practicing self-control, students can navigate college life more effectively. As a parent, your support and encouragement can make all the difference. What strategies will you implement to help your child succeed?

How to Support Your Student College Student, Whether or Not They Have ADHD

Sending your student to college in a few weeks? It’s not too late to equip them with the tools, skills, and strategies to do great as they transition to their new academic environment.

Crash Course in College Study Skills: This 1:1 five-hour workshop teaches scientifically proven strategies for studying, organizing, and managing college-level work with confidence.

The Success in College Program: For ongoing support, this program offers continuous guidance from the first class to final exams, ensuring consistency and accountability.

Call or email us for a free consultation about your child!

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Executive Functioning and ADHD: A Guide to Helping Your College Student Thrive, Part 2