How People with ADHD Learn Differently
It has often been said that having a neurodiverse brain (e.g., a brain with ADHD, Autism etc) is NOT a deficit, but rather a simple difference in brain chemistry…and that’s 100% correct. However, while this knowledge has become more widely understood and accepted in society, many people still don’t have a solid understanding of what these differences entail.
Well, one of the key differences among people with ADHD is how they learn. This is an important factor to consider as many classrooms, universities, and workplaces are not necessarily designed to teach in a way that is very “ADHD-friendly”. Below are some examples of how people with ADHD may learn differently to neurotypical people…
- Visual Learners: Typically, neurodiverse people tend to be visual learners and are able to process information much more easily and efficiently when they are being shown how to complete a task rather than being told how to do so.
- “Hands-on” Learners: People with ADHD tend to lose interest in tasks quite quickly if they are simply writing and listening to instructions. In contrast, they tend to enjoy more “hands-on” learning tasks that allows for regular movement and physical engagement in the task (E.g., PE, metal work, music, art, etc.).
- Fidgeting: This next point may sound quite counter-intuitive…but it’s TRUE. People with ADHD are often able to focus much better when they are able to fidget with various sensory items as this allows them to expend excess energy in a quiet and socially appropriate way. If unable to expend this excess physical energy, it can become much more challenging for people with ADHD to sit still, concentrate, and learn.
- Routine: People with ADHD can often struggle with memory in their day-to-day lives. As such, building in routines for everyday activities can be extremely beneficial as tasks and their completion become automatic. Routines can be broken down into smaller tasks (E.g., Getting ready for work could be broken into: (1) get up; (2) make the bed; (3) organise work uniform; (4) have a shower; (5) eat breakfast etc.)
- Rotating Tasks: People with ADHD tend to have shorter attention spans than neurotypical individuals when completing boring or repetitive tasks. This is why changing from one task to the next sooner can help restore focus for a brief period of time. Tasks can be rotated, such that an individual might work for 10 minutes on one task, 10 minutes on another task, and then return to work for another 10 minutes on the first task.
If you want to learn more about ADHD as well as “ADHD-friendly” learning strategies, our team of highly skilled and well-experienced Psychologists and mental health professionals are here to help. Call us now and take the next step towards supporting your personal growth and self-improvement.
How to Access a Services at CQ Psych Services:
- Contact us directly by calling 07 4972 6929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
- Ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our clinic.
- Come in and see our friendly staff at Shop 1 & 2, 13 Tank Street, Gladstone QLD 4680.
- Visit our website and complete a ‘Request an Appointment’ form and one of our friendly staff will reply to your enquiry. Website: https://cqpsychservices.com.au/
Author: Tom Grainger
Psychologist
