Students with ADHD: How to Get Support from a Teacher or Professor
By Grace Friedman, ADHD Coach
In the journey of learning, students with ADHD often face unique challenges. Concepts may seem overwhelming, attention can wander, and staying organized might feel like an uphill battle. During these moments, reaching out to a teacher for assistance can be invaluable.
There are many times where I have needed support during and after class from my teacher but actually explaining what I needed support with was overwhelming. Sure, it can be straightforward to ask for help, but not everyone finds this process so easy. It is essential to approach this process in a way that aligns with the needs of you, the student with ADHD. Let's explore some tailored steps to seek help effectively after class.
1. Identify Your Needs:
Recognize the specific areas where you're struggling.
Is it difficult to focus during lectures? Problems with organizing your assignments? Understanding your challenges will help you articulate them clearly when you talk to your teacher.
2. Choose the Right Moment:
Timing is crucial when approaching your teacher.
Try to catch them after class when they're not busy or overwhelmed. If that's not possible, consider sending them an email to schedule a meeting at a convenient time.
3. Request an Appointment
Instead of bombarding your teacher with questions on the spot, ask if you could schedule a time to talk about your concerns in more detail.
This allows both of you to prepare and ensures that you have their full attention.
4. Gather Your Materials
Before the meeting, gather all the materials related to your concerns, such as assignments, notes, or textbooks. Having everything in one place will help you stay focused during the discussion.
5. State Your Goals Clearly
Clearly communicate what you hope to achieve during the meeting. Whether it's seeking clarification on a topic, discussing accommodations, or brainstorming strategies for staying organized, be upfront about your needs.
6. Engage in Active Listening
During the meeting, focus on actively listening to your teacher's responses. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to the conversation. Taking notes can also help you stay engaged and retain information.
7. Collaborate on a Plan
Work together with your teacher to come up with a plan that accommodates your needs. This might involve setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or exploring alternative learning strategies.
8. Use Visual Aids or Reminders
Consider using visual aids or reminders to help you stay on track with any agreements made during the meeting. This could include setting alarms on your phone, creating checklists, or using a planner to track deadlines.
9. Follow Through and Reflect
After the meeting, make a concerted effort to follow through on any agreed-upon actions. Reflect on what strategies worked well for you and what you might need to adjust moving forward. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and continue to advocate for yourself as needed.
By approaching your teacher for guidance on class material, help with brainstorming topics or ADHD-specific strategies, you can build a supportive relationship that enhances your learning experience. Also, advocating for individualized support can maximize your learning potential, reduce stress and anxiety around starting and completing homework, and improve personal and academic confidence.
For those with ADHD, we all have strengths and areas of growth. Some of us are independent in some areas, while we may need support and guidance in others. The Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center offers therapy, executive function coaching, and online ADHD groups to increase confidence and skills to manage and thrive with ADHD.
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