ADHD Strategies: Inattention
Strategies to Help Problems Caused by Inattention in ADHD
Some helpful tips to help deal with the inattention symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as attention deficit disorder
I started this list several years ago and have added to it every so often. It was originally started as a handout to give to teachers. However, I have modified it slightly to make it more applicable to a wider range of individuals. More information about ADHD inattention symptoms, please see my article entitled Spotlight on Inattention .
1. Develop a suitable study/work space at home with set times and routines established/.
2. Structure in some guided daydreaming time.
3. Schedule breaks. One way to do this is by using a timer. Set the timer and work for 14 minutes. When the timer goes off, set it for one minute and stretch or move around. When the timer goes off, reset it for 14 minutes, and get back to work. Repeat.
4. Use headsets with white noise or soft music to eliminate environmental noise. There are several albums out with music that can improve focusing.
5. Use a ruler a piece of paper, or your finger to help guide yourself when reading.
6. Schedule tasks that require attention in the morning.
7. Remove unnecessary stimulation from your environment.
For Teachers and Students:
8. Reward the student for being prepared.
9. Before asking an ADHD student a question, state the child's name and then pause a few seconds to verify the student is focused on you.
10. Let the child play with clay, paper clips, or pipe cleaners while waiting or listening to instructions.
11. Put brightly colored poster board under the student's work to help him/her focus or use a color transparency over the page to make the work sharper and clearer.
12. Eliminate unnecessary repetitions of a task.
13. Create a stimuli-reduced study area that they can have access to when needed or allow the student to work in the hall or in an unused room if available.
14. Develop a suitable study/work space at home with set times and routines established for study and parental review of homework.
15. Gain student's attention before giving directions. Tell student how to pay attention, (look at me while I talk, watch my eyes while I speak). Ask student to repeat directions. Use alerting cues. Accompany oral directions with written directions.
16. Ask a simple question to a child whose attention is beginning to wander. It does not necessarily need to relate to the topic. For example, ask the student if he remembered to write his name on his paper.
17. Develop a private running joke between you and the child that can be invoked to re-involve you with the child.
18. Walk around the classroom as the lesson is progressing and tap the place in the child's book that is currently being read or discussed.
19. Give one direction at a time. Quietly repeat directions to the student after they have been given to the rest of the class.
20. Check for understanding by having the student repeat the directions.
21. Use physical proximity and touch.
22. Use earphones, earplugs and/or study carrels, quiet place, or preferential seating.
23. Use games in the classrooms that require sustained concentration and impulse control to help improve them in the student.
24. Establish a private signal with the student that signals he/she is off task or needs to focus.
- Constant verbal reminders can appear as criticism to the child and disrupt the class.
- This will also instruct students in self-monitoring.
Have your own favorite strategy? Please add it in the discussion for this page.
