Private Tutors and Coaches for Students with ADHD

Hyperactivity and impulsivity are key traits of ADHD, and most people with ADHD struggle with impulse control. Students with ADHD may act without thinking, which can lead to behaviours like interrupting or disrupting lessons. While they often have good intentions—such as asking a question related to the lesson—their impulsivity can lead to negative reactions from teachers.

Organisational challenges and time awareness are two common challenges for those with ADHD. At school, students with ADHD may have great difficulty prioritising tasks and managing time effectively, leading to late or incomplete assignments. They may also experience problems with keeping track of materials, such as books, assignments, and school supplies. Teachers may see them as careless or lazy, when in fact, students with ADHD are often trying extremely hard to stay on top of their workload.

Challenges with short-term or working memory make it hard to follow multi-step instructions or remember important (but often boring) information; leading to incomplete work. Students with ADHD may forget homework, or forget to bring the right equipment to school.

Difficulties with emotional regulation are a key trait of ADHD and can be distressing without the right support. Students with ADHD may struggle to manage and regulate their emotions, leading to frustration, anxiety, or outbursts in response to academic and social pressures. They may also have difficulty understanding neurotypical social cues and maintaining friendships, which can lead to social isolation and strained peer relationships.

Students with ADHD often find it difficult to start tasks due to challenges with executive functioning. They may struggle with motivation, become easily distracted, or have trouble organising their thoughts into clear steps. As a result, tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or avoidance. Even when they want to get started, they may struggle to know where t0 begin.

Students with ADHD may develop lower self-esteem due to repeated frustration, academic struggles, or criticism related to their traits. Ongoing difficulties in meeting expectations, whether academic, social or behavioural, can lead to self-doubt and impact their confidence.

Clear and simple instructions help students with ADHD by making it easier for them to understand what they need to do. This reduces confusion and prevents overwhelm. Short instructions also lighten the load on working memory, helping students stay focused and complete their work more effectively.

Accommodations can help ADHD students by making their learning environment more manageable. Things like extra time on tests, a quiet place to work, or flexible deadlines can reduce stress and make it easier for them to focus and do their best. These adjustments help level the playing field so they can succeed in school without feeling overwhelmed.

Organisation support can make a big difference for students with ADHD by helping them keep track of their school items and assignments. Teaching them organisation strategies such as using planners, setting up a tidy workspace, and creating checklists can make it easier for them to stay on top of what needs to be done. This support helps them manage their time better and avoid the chaos of misplaced materials or forgotten tasks.

Allowing regular breaks helps students with ADHD by giving them a chance to recharge and reset their focus. Short breaks can reduce feelings of overwhelm and restlessness, making it easier for them to stay on task when they return. It also helps them manage their energy levels and stay engaged with their work throughout the day.

Emotional support helps students with ADHD build confidence and stay motivated. Encouragement, patience, and a judgment-free space make it easier for them to manage frustration and self-doubt. When students feel understood and supported, they are more willing to take on challenges, stay engaged, and develop strategies that work for them.

Tutors and coaches can provide personalised and tailored strategies for organising materials, helping students develop organisational methods to implement and maintain independently. Strategies may include teaching methods such as colour-coding, using planners and calendars, and maintaining a clean study space to keep track of school supplies and assignments.

ADHD tutors and coaches can teach techniques like breaking tasks into smaller steps, using timers, and creating distraction-free study environments to help maintain attention.

ADHD tutors and coaches can help students with ADHD develop self-regulation techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and impulse control strategies to help manage impulsive behaviors. They can also help students develop strategies for task initiation, such as breaking assignments into manageable parts, using prompts and cues, and setting achievable goals to reduce overwhelm.

ADHD coaches and tutors can offer positive reinforcement, celebrate small and large successes, and focus on the student’s strengths to build confidence and self-esteem.