- Published on
There are a lot of stereotypes and assumptions surrounding ADHD, one of the most common being that those with ADHD aren’t academically able.
I disagree.
Not only are they academic in the traditional sense of the word but they often go beyond what is expected, working at super fast speed premempting what the teacher is going to say next and arriving at a conclusion far faster than anybody else.
Often this is one of the reasons why behaviour might slip - because they’re bored or because they focus on future learning worrying that they don’t know it yet and have yet to perfect it.
Don’t believe me? Many of my neurodivergent students will watch Youtube videos. If you’re ever passing, check to see what speed they’re watching them on. The one I see the most is 1.5 times faster than the norm with subtitles.
Why ADHD Does Not Mean Low Academic Ability
Yet what I see time and again in coaching and tutoring are bright teens who are underestimated and made to feel different. That is hardly surprising when the education system is designed for a very narrow type of learner.
This pressure can be felt most keenly around year 10 when GCSEs are beginning or in the year 13.
Suddenly they feel the pressure and don’t want to fail. I often see teens desperately looking for answers, looking to change, to shift mindsets and to start again. They struggle internally and blame themselves when they’re unable to reach their goals.
But this is where I am the most lucky. I get to help!
In coaching I can listen as they pour out what they’ve been holding in for years. We can work on a plan that works with their strengths and not look to fix something that was never broken in the first place.
I can sit and watch their faces as they realise for the first time that the adult sitting across from them actually gets it. Together we rebuild and make the future happen.
In tutoring, it’s slightly different but not much. Since I qualified as a coach, combining the two sets of skills has had a massive impact on my teaching style. To coin a phrase, I meet them where they are at. Again, I’m rewarded with trust as they feel recognised and can finally relax and work at a pace they’re comfortable with.
How ADHD Coaching Supports Teens Through Exams
We have 88 days before the first GCSEs and 93 days before the A levels. Many parents look for ADHD academic coaching when their teenager struggles with GCSE revision, motivation or organisation. ADHD does not affect intelligence, but it can affect how learning is accessed and supported. For many there are no more mocks and already I am hearing about struggling to revise. I’ve supported many students who have benefitted from academic coaching to help them stay motivated, organised and focussed.
If that sounds like something your child might benefit from, book a chat.
And if you know someone who needs to hear this, please share.
I disagree.
Not only are they academic in the traditional sense of the word but they often go beyond what is expected, working at super fast speed premempting what the teacher is going to say next and arriving at a conclusion far faster than anybody else.
Often this is one of the reasons why behaviour might slip - because they’re bored or because they focus on future learning worrying that they don’t know it yet and have yet to perfect it.
Don’t believe me? Many of my neurodivergent students will watch Youtube videos. If you’re ever passing, check to see what speed they’re watching them on. The one I see the most is 1.5 times faster than the norm with subtitles.
Why ADHD Does Not Mean Low Academic Ability
Yet what I see time and again in coaching and tutoring are bright teens who are underestimated and made to feel different. That is hardly surprising when the education system is designed for a very narrow type of learner.
This pressure can be felt most keenly around year 10 when GCSEs are beginning or in the year 13.
Suddenly they feel the pressure and don’t want to fail. I often see teens desperately looking for answers, looking to change, to shift mindsets and to start again. They struggle internally and blame themselves when they’re unable to reach their goals.
But this is where I am the most lucky. I get to help!
In coaching I can listen as they pour out what they’ve been holding in for years. We can work on a plan that works with their strengths and not look to fix something that was never broken in the first place.
I can sit and watch their faces as they realise for the first time that the adult sitting across from them actually gets it. Together we rebuild and make the future happen.
In tutoring, it’s slightly different but not much. Since I qualified as a coach, combining the two sets of skills has had a massive impact on my teaching style. To coin a phrase, I meet them where they are at. Again, I’m rewarded with trust as they feel recognised and can finally relax and work at a pace they’re comfortable with.
How ADHD Coaching Supports Teens Through Exams
We have 88 days before the first GCSEs and 93 days before the A levels. Many parents look for ADHD academic coaching when their teenager struggles with GCSE revision, motivation or organisation. ADHD does not affect intelligence, but it can affect how learning is accessed and supported. For many there are no more mocks and already I am hearing about struggling to revise. I’ve supported many students who have benefitted from academic coaching to help them stay motivated, organised and focussed.
If that sounds like something your child might benefit from, book a chat.
And if you know someone who needs to hear this, please share.
0 Comments