If your child suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you know how difficult it can be to keep them focused on their studies. Homework and classroom activities can be hard on your child, but the real challenge comes during test time. Low scores on a few tests can ruin a child’s grade for the entire year, which is why these ADHD test taking tips are essential for studying.
1. Study Right Before Bed
Your child may want to play or watch television in their last few hours before bed, but this desire should be secondary when a test is approaching. Research has consistently shown that processing new information right before bed helps retain more of the studied material.
Make sure your child understands why they need to sacrifice a few hours before bedtime in the days prior to their test. Just remember to let them get in their playtime before dinner on these days.
2. Study in Short Blocks
One of the main issues that parents of children with ADHD face is keeping them focused. Planning to study right before bed will not be successful if you try to keep your child on task for an hour or more straight.
This is why you should break up studying into blocks. Spend 30 or so minutes going over material, but then let your child take a 15-minute break to grab something to drink or do something else to unwind from studying. This will help them avoid becoming restless.
3. Eat Well
A diet rich in healthy foods like those containing choline and omega 3 fatty acids supports optimal brain health by boosting memory and cognitive function. As such, eating these brain boosting foods may help students remember information for their test. Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids like fish and fish oils are great choices on test day to improve brain function and memory. Blueberries are another superfood that not only boost the brain but also protect it from oxidative stress. Other good snack options for the day of the test are almonds, avocados, sunflower seeds and walnuts.
Successful Test Studying With ADHD Is Possible
If your child has ADHD and a test coming up, you know there are hurdles to overcome. Fortunately, these hurdles are not insurmountable. If you start studying with your child well in advance of the test and utilize these tips, there’s a good chance you’ll be congratulating them on a well-deserved grade.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment. You can also view the research and results of the program on the website.