ADD - Tips for Creating an ADD-friendly Study Environment

ADD affects a multitude of characteristics that make it difficult to complete quiet tasks. Distractibility, short attention span, trouble concentrating, and hyperactivity are contradictory to the characteristics needed to complete homework and studying.

A recent article describes ways to create a less distracting environment for students with ADD during musical instrument lessons. These tips can be extended to creating a less distracting environment for the completion of homework and other quiet activities.

To create the best environment for your loved one with ADD, try these suggestions:

Clocks. Avoid ticking clocks as these can be distracting to children with ADD.
Phones. Silent phones during the child’s homework time. Children with ADD can be, not only distracted by the ringing noise, but also by thoughts of thecontent of the phone call.
Windows. Homework should be completed away from windows as weather, cars, animals, and people outside the windows can take attention away from homework.
Aromas. Smells of food can be especially distracting to children with ADD. Keep a closed door between the study environment and the aroma of cooking.
Interruptions. Unless it is an emergency, do not allow any visitors or family members to interrupt your child when he/she is doing homework.
Background noise. The study environment should be away from any distracting background noise including loud conversations or television.
Pets. Animals in the study space can serve as a distractor during homework.