Tools For Limiting Procrastination With ADHD

There are a number of areas that make dealing with ADHD frustrating, and one of these is the fact that symptoms can vary so widely -- both between people and even for individuals. There are certain symptoms that are known to be relatively common with this condition, however, and one of these that many who deal with ADHD are familiar with is procrastination.

At Learning Technics, we're proud to offer high-quality ADD and ADHD treatment programs via our physio-neuro therapy approach, including both in-house treatment and at-home cognitive therapy. Why is it common for kids and others with ADHD to procrastinate, and what are some simple methods that will often help in this area? Let's take a look.

Why Procrastination is Common With ADHD

Even as we get started here, we run into a familiar issue: The reasons for procrastination being common with ADHD can actually vary between people. However, there are a few that tend to stand out.

One of the main reasons procrastination is so common with ADHD is that it can be difficult to maintain focus on a task for an extended period of time. This is due in part to the fact that those with ADHD often have a shorter attention span, and can easily become distracted. Additionally, many people with ADHD struggle with impulsiveness, which can lead to them being more likely to start new tasks without completing the ones they began previously.

In other cases, lack of motivation is the chief culprit. This can be because completing tasks is not enjoyable for those with ADHD, or because there are other factors that stand in their way of wanting to complete assigned work (such as overwhelming feelings and frustrations).

In still further situations, it's actually trouble with organizational skills that contributes to procrastination. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often causes individuals to struggle with poor organization, which can make completing tasks more difficult for them even when they do want to get things done.

Luckily, with the right attention and resources, procrastination due to ADHD is one symptom that can often be controlled. Our next several sections will go over how this can be accomplished.

Reminders

If your child deals with frequent issues of procrastination due to ADHD, one of the simplest but most effective strategies you can use is to set reminders. Whether these are physical or electronic, reminding your child when their work needs to be completed and how much time they have remaining can help them stay on track with their responsibilities.

For instance, if you've noticed them being slow to get started on their schoolwork, you can set a reminder to let them know that they need to start working within the next ten minutes or so. You can also remind them as they're beginning to work that there's only a certain amount of time allocated for them to do it in.

This type of strategy is very easy to implement, but it can often make a noticeable difference in how well your child completes their work on time.

Limit Multitasking Demands

For kids who struggle with ADHD, multitasking can be difficult, and it's often best to avoid having them do more than one thing at a time. This is because those with this condition have a harder time focusing on their tasks -- so if they're trying to complete multiple assignments or take care of several tasks all at once, they're likely to not get any of them done correctly.

In addition to this, multitasking can also be overwhelming for those with ADHD -- something that can lead to procrastination being a frequent occurrence. By limiting their tasks and focusing on one thing at a time, you can help them get things done quicker and more efficiently.

Take Breaks Regularly

Another useful tip you can pass on to your child or others who have ADHD is to take breaks regularly when they're doing work. This allows them time to rest, refocus, and get a fresh perspective on the work that needs to be done -- which can often help them go about it in a more effective manner.

For instance, if your child has been struggling for some time with a particular assignment, you might suggest that they take a short break before trying to complete it again. This will give them a chance to recharge and approach the work with a fresh mind -- which can make all the difference in whether or not they get it done quickly.

Breaking Down Large Tasks Into Smaller Ones

In some cases, procrastination is simply a matter of feeling overwhelmed by large tasks. In order to help your child overcome this, you can suggest breaking their work down into smaller and more manageable steps.

For example, if they need to write an essay as part of an assignment but are struggling with getting started on it, you might recommend that they write just one paragraph at a time. This can make things feel less daunting and give them a sense of completion along the way -- which can help keep them moving forward with their work.

As you can see, there are plenty of strategies that those with ADHD can use to overcome procrastination and accomplish tasks more effectively. By implementing these tips, you can help your child or loved one complete their work more efficiently and be more successful overall.

For more here, or to learn about any of our in-person, online or at-home treatments for ADHD and various learning disabilities, speak to our caring staff at Learning Technics today.