HOW DO PEOPLE WITH ADHD STUDY, LEARN, AND REMEMBER?

As an adult with ADHD/DYSLEXIA who has successfully navigated school and THREE university degrees, I’ve gathered valuable lessons along the way. ADHD presents unique challenges in learning and memory, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to achieve academic success.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Pursue Your Interests

A typical person with ADHD is unlikely to succeed in subjects that don’t hold their interest. Studying a field that doesn’t engage you can be fruitless and painful. I’ve found that I always excel in areas I’m genuinely passionate about and struggle in those that don’t captivate me.

Balance Interests and Requirements

Even when pursuing courses that interest you, you may have to incorporate subjects that bore you. Here are some strategies to manage this:

• Break Down Tasks: Split large, daunting tasks into smaller, manageable pieces.
• Set Short-Term Goals: Create small, achievable goals to maintain motivation.
• Use Rewards: Reward yourself for completing tasks that you find tedious.

Harness the Power of Urgency

Many people with ADHD find that urgency is a powerful motivator. When you can no longer procrastinate, you can cram in the necessary information at the last minute. While not ideal, this adrenaline rush can sometimes help you focus and achieve your goals.

Embrace Failure and Resilience

You will fail—possibly several times. It’s crucial to show yourself compassion to avoid the negative thought spirals typical of ADHD. Summon your resolve, and use all available support structures, external reminders, and motivators to try again. Remember, failure is a step towards success.

Recognise the Limitations of Traditional Systems

Traditional school and university systems are not designed with the ADHD brain in mind. Acknowledging this can save you much heartache when you feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t mean you can’t reach your academic goals, but you will have to do it your way, often the hard way.

Leverage Your Curiosity

ADHD individuals are typically curious and love learning. You may spend hours absorbed in subjects that interest you, becoming passionately involved in an area of study that motivates you. Appreciate this trait, value it, and encourage it. Your curiosity is a powerful tool.

Understand Memory Challenges

ADHD brains often struggle with short-term memory due to competing thoughts and interruptions. You might need to remember meetings or misplace things. However, given sufficient space to learn a skill or information that energises you, your brain can absorb much information.

Personalise Your Strategy

ADHD is not experienced the same way by everyone, so there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. It’s essential to outline your interests and strengths carefully. Unlike neurotypical individuals, who might pursue careers that bore them and slowly develop competence and passion, ADHD individuals need to focus on their strengths and interests early on to avoid the negative consequences of failing at things that won’t help them in life.

Keep Exploring and Learning

There is a wealth of information on executive function and learning strategies. Keep reading, exploring your interests, and understanding your strengths. With perseverance and the right approach, you can thrive academically despite the challenges of ADHD.