ADHD: Distance Learning Tips

Some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder face certain challenges while receiving distance learning services. These challenges include changes in daily routine, difficulty sitting for long periods, and difficulty completing assigned tasks; dealing with these properly requires some effort on our part.

Here are some tips to prepare children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for this mode of education:

1. Plan ahead, but be flexible

One of the most prominent challenges in the home learning environment is the change in the school schedule routine, which organizes the time of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and helps them stay committed and finish tasks. To build a successful home study schedule, follow these suggestions:

- Prepare an organized study schedule with your child, write down all course information including lessons, tests, and homework, and place it in the home study room.

- Set an alarm for your child that rings when classes end and when homework is due, and continuously monitor them to ensure their adherence to lesson times.

- Set aside time between classes for a break to walk, have snacks, or enjoy video games, as your child may face a challenge maintaining attention for more than 45 minutes.

- Remind your child of the importance of sticking to the schedule, but if you notice signs of boredom in them, do not try to pressure them; they are not expected to adhere to all timings easily.

2. Maintain a routine

Educators emphasize the importance of routine for children during the distance learning phase, especially for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For example, wake your child up to change clothes and have breakfast at the same time they used to wake up to go to school. At the end of the day, help them get ready for bed at the specified time by turning off all devices one hour before bedtime. Early sleep improves the child's focus and behavior.

3. Stick to treatment

You must stick to the scheduled timing of your child's medication dose. If circumstances prevent you from obtaining their medication, contact the doctor and ask about the possibility of dispensing the treatment.

4. Reduce distractions

Try to prepare a quiet room free of any visual distractions such as large windows and posters on the walls. As for electronic devices, ask your child to leave them in a distant place during the lesson, and try to set up the computer for study by blocking some websites that might distract their attention from the lesson. Remember to turn off the TV and the radio to reduce noise. However, if sounds help your child focus, you can play quiet music.

5. Supervise in moderation

Parents are playing the role of the teacher during this period, a role that requires patience that not all parents possess. Remember to stay calm and monitor your child's academic progress and daily performance in moderation, giving them the opportunity to learn independence skills and manage their study schedule themselves.

It is difficult for some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to sit for long periods, so do not force them to do so. Let them attend their lesson lying on the floor, sitting on the bed, or walking around the room if that helps them focus.

6. Prioritize physical activity

Ask your child to start their day with physical activities before attending distance learning classes. Allocate half an hour of the day for physical exercises to improve your child's focus and mood. You can distribute physical activity at separate times throughout the school day. For example, whenever you notice signs of boredom in your child, suggest that they do jumping exercises.

In addition, ensure your child drinks at least eight glasses of water. Some medications prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may cause dehydration, which affects your child's health and academic performance.

7. Encourage social interaction

During this period, students being away from their friends and school environment may negatively affect their social skills. Therefore, we recommend encouraging your child to make video calls with their friends or family children to talk with them, or let them use social media while taking into account what is appropriate for their age.

8. Communicate with teachers

Continuously communicate with teachers or other educational service providers via phone calls or email messages. Follow up on your child's educational progress with them and share your observations. Ask them for explanations of the most appropriate teaching methods for your child's needs, and talk to teachers about how to work on implementing the goals of the individualized education program at home.

Source:

Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, 2020. ADHD: Tips for Online Learning, WebMD.

.https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/tips-online-learning

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.