9 Ways to Increase Motivation in ADHD Students

Posted on October, 09, 2023 by Susan Schaefer, M.Ed., M.A.T, Founder & CEO
 

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often goes hand in hand with motivation challenges which can impact academics. ADHD often feels like wanting to do everything and nothing at all at the same time, all of the time and can be incredibly frustrating. Understanding the link between the two will help de-mystify this connection and increase motivation in ADHD students.

First off, let’s talk about the connection between ADHD and motivation. People with ADHD often have brains wired for novelty and excitement. They crave stimulation, and this can make it tough to stay motivated on mundane tasks like homework or long-term projects. Boredom kicks in, and that’s when motivation tanks. Issues like anxiety and depression in teens, which has spiked in recent year makes it difficult for students to begin homework or studying for assessments. Also, the executive function deficits in ADHD can make planning, organization, and task initiation challenging, further decreasing motivation.

So, how can we help improve motivation? Well, it’s like a recipe: mix understanding with strategies, add chocolate chips because they are always a good idea, bake and you have a motivation cupcake.

1. Chunk It Up: Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This way, you can finish one part, get a sense of accomplishment, and boost your motivation to tackle the next.

2. Utilize Rewards: Treat yourself! Promise yourself a small reward after finishing a task. It could be a snack, a short break, or even just a checkmark on your to-do list.

3. Study Buddy: Having a friend to study or do homework with helps accountability.

4. Visual Reminders: Post-it notes, whiteboards, or digital task lists can be your best friends. They provide visual cues to keep you on track.

5. Time Management Techniques: Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) can work wonders for maintaining motivation.

6. Set Clear Goals: Define clear, achievable goals. When you know what you’re working towards, motivation becomes more natural.

7. Mindfulness and Exercise: Regular exercise and mindfulness practices can help manage ADHD symptoms and boost overall motivation.

8. Structure and Routines: Having a specific place and time to start homework every day increases productivity.

9. Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, ADHD can be managed with therapy or medication. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide valuable guidance.

Remember, ADHD doesn’t define you, and motivation challenges are just one aspect of it. Embrace your unique qualities, find strategies that work for you*, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Motivation can be elusive, but with patience and creativity, you can harness it to achieve your goals. 

If you struggle with finding strategies that work for you, academic coaching can help. www.acacoaches.com