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The Gift of ADHD with Dr. Emily Levy

The Gift of ADHD – Dr. Levy on the Infuse Your Future Podcast

In this podcast I discuss strategies for helping children and adults with ADHD. ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can affect so many aspects of school and life. Learning effective tools and strategies for combating the challenges of ADHD, which may include difficulties with time management, organization, planning, and other executive functioning skills, can be life changing!

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a great method for developing stronger time management and focusing skills. To use this method, select a task you would like to complete, like a homework assignment, project, or research paper. Set a timer for 25 minutes and spend this time working nonstop on that task. When the timer goes off after the 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break and use a sheet of paper or computer document to check off that you successfully finished one Pomodoro cycle. Then set your timer for another 25 minutes and do the same thing - work on your task for 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break, and indicate on your record sheet that you completed another Pomodoro cycle. After finishing four 25 minute + 5 minute break cycles, give yourself a longer 20-30 minute break. This strategy will help you break longer tasks into smaller, more easily achievable segments and will help you feel focused and successful as you complete each task. If you still struggle with time management, you may want to consider executive functioning coaching to help further develop this skill.

Learn to Prioritize

Having a long list of tasks to compete can feel overwhelming, especially for those who have ADHD. Learning to prioritize tasks that are more important and completing those first can be very helpful in managing this load. For instance, if you have eight tasks to complete, make a list of eight lines on a sheet of paper. Ask yourself which one is most important to complete and then list that one first. Then list the second most important task to complete on the second line, and so on. You might even add a time management strategy to this exercise by asking yourself how much time you think each task will take to complete and write down that estimated time (ET) next to each task. Then compare the estimated time you thought each task would take to the actual time it took, and write the AT, or actual time, next to the estimated time. You will find that the more you practice this time management strategy, the more realistic you will become with your time. Time management and executive functioning coaching can help you develop this skill as well!

Use a Planner

Many teachers now post assignments via an online portal instead of dictating homework assignments in class and expecting students to write them down. As a result, many students don’t use a planner and instead rely on these online portals. However, physically seeing all assignments that are coming up for the day, week and month is very important in managing time and schedules. Even if your teacher posts assignments online, you should still use a hand-written or electronic calendar to write down each assignment and when it is due in your planner. Try breaking down long-term assignments into individual steps and putting each step into your planner. Take a look at what is coming up for the day, week, and month and try to figure out how much time you need to devote to homework and studying each day. Adults can benefit from using a planner as well to track their tasks, obligations, and meetings that they need to attend.

Learning strategies for managing executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, and organization is key to success in school and life. Try these techniques to enhance these skills and you will quickly notice a positive difference in your overall performance.

Learn more about helping your child with ADHD at
https://eblcoaching.com/wondering-if-your-child-has-adhd/

Read more about understanding ADHD at
https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/https://chadd.org/attention-article/study-skills-for-thriving-with-adhd/

Dear Dr. Levy, My son received an excellent report card. I can’t say enough good things about his EBL tutor. She has done a tremendous job helping him improve his reading and writing skills. Most importantly, she is wise and kind. She is always patient with him. Because of his tutor, my son writes with much more ease.
– Parent