Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition often first recognised in childhood. While traits may shift over time, ADHD usually continues into adulthood, with an estimated global prevalence of 5%. ADHD affects an individual's ability to regulate attention and impacts executive functioning skills such as organising tasks, using working memory, and managing time effectively.
These differences can affect learning and daily life. But with the right ADHD support, students can thrive, bringing their creativity, energy, and originality to how they think and learn.
At Sunbeam Education, we support students with ADHD through practical learning strategies that fit how their brains work. Many of our tutors and coaches have ADHD themselves. This gives us valuable insight into what helps students grow.
The Importance of Supporting Students With ADHD
Understanding what ADHD is, how it impacts each individual, and how to combat its challenges are key components to ensuring ADHD students receive the necessary assistance. ADHD varies hugely from person to person, so there is no one-size-fits-all method for support. Developing a thorough understanding of a student’s unique presentation of ADHD makes them (and their support network) better equipped to handle and excel in their academic responsibilities.
However, our focus as Sunbeam goes beyond simply managing symptoms. We aim to aid in fostering confidence academically, emotionally, and socially, enlisting each student’s unique strengths to help them build a way of life that supports them while they work towards their goals.
This article explores several valuable ADHD support strategies that can help individuals effectively manage challenges, harness their strengths, and thrive academically and personally.
Effective Strategies for Supporting Students with ADHD:
Pharmaceutical Treatment
Choosing to use ADHD medication is a highly personal decision. While medication does not cure ADHD, it can significantly alleviate challenging symptoms and enhance daily functioning. ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. Medication is usually most effective when combined with additional support, such as therapy, coaching, or lifestyle modifications.
Stimulant drugs like Concerta, Ritalin, or Adderall are commonly prescribed, as are non-stimulant options like atomoxetine or guanfacine. It’s crucial to note that while these medications can be beneficial, they also have potential side effects, and there may be some trial and error involved in finding the right prescription and dose. It is important to work closely with a doctor, including regular check-ups after the initial prescription, to ensure the best option is found and that the medication works as it should.
Psychotherapy
Talking therapy can be a valuable tool, helping students manage attention and emotional challenges and providing strategies to manage symptoms and enhance well-being.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps reshape unhelpful thoughts.
- Behavioural therapy helps build habits, such as routines and self-regulation.
It is advisable to seek out a therapist who has a specialist knowledge of ADHD.
ADHD Coaching
An ADHD coach supports students with ADHD by helping them understand how their brain works, offering strategies that fit their strengths and challenges. Rather than giving general advice, a good coach works with each student to build systems that actually fit them. This might mean identifying helpful habits, creating routines that stick, or learning how to manage day-to-day life in ways that feel doable.
Coaching often focuses on building executive functioning skills. These include planning, time management, and organisation. This could involve using checklists, breaking down tasks into smaller steps, or learning how to stick to a routine. These strategies help students feel more in control and confident. That sense of control can be just as valuable outside of school as in it.
https://sunbeameducation.com/tutors/Coaching also supports a more positive self-image. Many coaches help students recognise their strengths, passions, and interests. Over time, this can build self-belief and make it easier to face challenges. Check out Our Tutors if you think coaching could be right for you.
Parenting Support
For younger students with ADHD, it often helps when parents are actively involved. Coaching and behaviour support strategies can be more effective when the whole family is on the same page.
To create suitable home support strategies, caregivers can work with ADHD coaches, tutors, or therapists to build routines, strong communication, and consistent approaches that help their child manage everyday challenges.
Helpful strategies at home include:
- Using a visual schedule so the student knows what to expect
- Breaking tasks into smaller chunks with short breaks
- Keeping instructions short, clear and consistent
- Praising effort and progress regularly
These strategies are designed to support the child’s strengths, reduce stress at home, and create a comfortable, calm environment.
ADHD Support in School Settings
Many students with ADHD struggle with traditional classroom settings. A positive educational environment is one where the teacher understands and accommodates the needs of an ADHD student. This can drastically improve academic performance.
Effective school support may include:
- Extra time on assignments and tests
- Allowing students with ADHD to choose a classroom spot (such as the front of the room) that supports their focus, comfort, and learning needs.
- Visual checklists and consistent reminders
- Encouraging active learning
At Sunbeam Education, we offer ADHD coaching and tutoring, providing valuable one-to-one support for students with ADHD.
ADHD Support Groups
Joining an ADHD support group creates a sense of community and understanding. Here, people share personal experiences, advice, and coping strategies. Your local area may have a support group you can attend, but if not, there are plenty of online communities to choose from!
Healthy Habits
Healthy habits such as eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, ensuring adequate sleep, and limiting screen time can go a long way in managing ADHD symptoms.
Excessive smartphone or social media use often affects dopamine regulation, which can lead to irritability, poor sleep quality, and burnout. We encourage our ADHD students to get outside, take up hobbies, and spend time socialising - all of which are sustainable and healthy ways of boosting dopamine.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance enhances motivation and resilience, contributing positively to academic and personal growth.
Friendships
Supportive friendships help build self-esteem, community and communication skills, offering a vital sense of belonging and acceptance. For students with ADHD, friendships also provide motivation to manage time and stay organised, as well as a safe space to express themselves and have fun. They are a key part of any support system.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
We have seen significant improvements in students with ADHD through mindfulness. Mindfulness helps students tune into the present. With time and regular practice, it can help reduce distractions, improve focus, and help students get to know the way their mind works, helping them to become aware of - and avoid! - ADHD traps such as rumination, forgetfulness, and procrastination. Similarly, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help to control impulsivity and hyperactivity.
ADHD is not a barrier to success. It’s a different way of thinking that benefits from flexible, thoughtful support. At Sunbeam, we use coaching, tutoring, and practical strategies to help each student learn and grow in a way that works for them. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and as always, a holistic approach will afford the best results. It is essential to remember that what works best for one individual may not work as well for another: finding the right mix of strategies may require patience and time. We believe students with ADHD bring energy, insight, and creativity to the world. Our job is to help them recognise that too.
Do you know a student who needs ADHD support? Book a free 20‑minute discovery call today and find a tutor who can help them thrive.
