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As an experienced psychiatrist specializing in helping adults ADHD to acquire new information and skills, I understand the unique challenges they face. My approach incorporates five proven strategies that personalize learning for individuals with ADHD and other learning challenges.. These strategies can help you as a teacher or instructor with people in classroom who may have ADHD. You can find additional information about helping children, adolescents, and young adults at ADHD expert’s sight, Ari Fox, LCSW-R.
1. Embrace learning style diversity
Recognize that individuals have different learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic). Tailor your teaching methods to engage all senses. Visual learners benefit from diagrams, charts, and visual aids, while auditory learners thrive through lectures, discussions, and verbal explanations. For kinesthetic learners, hands-on activities and interactive experiences enhance their comprehension and retention.
2. Harness the power of repetition
Repetition is a key strategy for solidifying learning. By reinforcing important concepts through various mediums and activities, such as reviewing lecture notes, creating flashcards, or engaging in practice exercises, individuals with ADHD can strengthen their understanding and retention of information over time.
3. Establish immediate relevance
Making the information immediately relevant to learners’ lives is crucial for engagement and motivation. Provide real-world examples and practical applications that demonstrate how the concepts being taught relate to their personal and professional goals. This connection helps individuals with ADHD see the value and relevance of the material, increasing their enthusiasm and investment in the learning process.
4. Incorporate rationale for teaching
Explain the rationale behind the material being taught can enhance understanding and motivation. By clearly communicating why a particular topic or skill is important, individuals with ADHD can grasp the significance and purpose behind their learning, fostering a sense of meaning and direction.
5. Utilize experiential and engaging strategies
Engage learners through experiential strategies, such as interactive exercises, simulations, case studies, and group discussions, promotes active participation and deeper understanding. Hands-on experiences and practical applications allow individuals with ADHD to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, reinforcing their learning and boosting their confidence.
Conclusion
By incorporating these five strategies, you can create a personalized learning experience that addresses the unique needs of individuals with ADHD. Utilizing a compassionate approach, combined with experience and knowledge, empowers learners to overcome challenges, develop effective study habits, and achieve success in their educational and professional endeavors.
Together, you and the adult learners work towards unlocking each individuals full potential and enhancing the overall learning experience.
SF says
For the first time in my life I have a corporation that is accommodating beyond expectation. They create my work environment by educating the people I work with by informing them kindly that I have special abilities and I must be treated in a unique way and led in a unique way in order to achieve my full potential.. I got to a point in my training where they figured out there’s something going on as they were destroying my spirit confidence and abilities. Finally we ended up in the managers office. I told him I had a cognitive disability which can prevent learning. He fully understood as his daughter has dyslexia. He became my champion. I told him I’ve been terminated from almost all my jobs because of the ADHD. When I ask for accommodation I’m terminated. I’ve been beaten for 20 years in my profession due to my disorder. So it is a blessing I have a firm that believes enough in my abilities to draw the brilliance out by giving the environment I can accelerate in. Than you for doing what you do Dr. There needs to be more of you.
Scott Shapiro, MD says
Thank you so much for your comments and story! I am excited that your corporation has provided accommodations to allow for you to reach your full potential. Hopefully, more organizations and companies will follow suit. I wish you the best of luck as you continue to thrive and reach your goals!