ADHD, how can I stay focused?

Question

I have ADHD and am a junior in high school. I do have an IEP (for ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety disorder) but attention and focus are still an issue in school and a major issue outside for homework. I'll start super determined to finish, and I'll realize five minutes later I am already doing something else, even if I am generally interested. But, if I'm really interested in something, I get hyper-focused, and forget about the world around me (this doesn't happen often). Anyone have any tips for remaining focused for periods of time longer than 5 minutes?

Also, anyone know any tips to stop fidgeting? I am always in trouble for tapping my feet, playing with pencil, cracking knuckles ect.

Thank-you all

Answer 1

Hi Vichick,

If you have and IEP for your ADHD, keep working with it. Education, including behavior modification techniques can work well over the long term but need time to begin working effectively. As someone who was diagnosed with ADD as a child, I think I can identify with your lack of focus. I could always focus on things I was very interested in, but some of the subjects in school bored me to tears and were too easy to be challenging.

More exercise worked for me. I joined the track team and started lifting weights at home. I noticed a good improvement in my focus after just four weeks after I started exercising more. Some people have reported improvements with natural supplements like fish oil. eating less processed foods has been reported to help as well. Do you have allergies? If so, cutting down on processed foods and eating the right fresh fruits and vegetables may help you in more ways than one.

Maybe just a short walk during lunch or breaks can get rid of nervous energy and help with the fidgeting.

Answer 2

Sometimes it helps to set a short-term goal while you're working on homework.  For example. if you have reading to do, set a goal like--I'm going to get this section of the chapter read in 15 minutes.  Once you've done that, set a kitchen timer on the table near you.  Every time you feel yourself losing focus on your reading, remember your goal and look at the timer.  When you reach your goal, give yourself a small reward, like getting up and stretching or getting a glass of water.  Break up large tasks into chunks any time it is possible (your teachers may be able to help you with this).  

As for fidgeting, stress balls are great, but any small thing can serve as something to get your fidgeting out. Be creative and find what works best for you--paper clips, stress balls, pencil grips--anything can work as long as it serves its purpose for giving your body some kind of movement.

Answer 3

For paying attention in school I use techniques like these

- Drawing

- Stress balls

- In school start studying your teacher (sounds weird but it helps you listen to what she's saying)

- For homework ask if you can use a lab top in school and at home (I have a similar problem and it's helping a lot)

- Take small break times during your homework

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

my cousins  have ADHD and every morning they drink coffee before they go to school, it seems to work in the opposite way that it does for people without, there have been studies on this so its not like im just suggesting something that works for 2 people.

if it is possible ..carry somekind of caffein with you or you may beable to have your parents talk to the school administrators to allow you to leave class certain times of the day to go and get a cup of coffee in the teachers lounge.

hope i helped!

Answer 5

I just asked anyone out there about Redlin. It's a med. that can keep one focused.  I'm also on Lexepro, a med. for anxiety.  I'm exactly the same way as you are and it drives me crazy, that I am this way, not to mention all the verbal abuse I've had over the years. My parents were very supportive but I got comments from teachers and bosses on how lazy I was, stupid, don't care, careless etc. and the whole works.  Does wonders for your morale. (-:

  I'm a dyslexic and just today was the day from h**l and I did just about everything wrong with the boss.  It's dyslexia oriented problems but as hard as I try, it's never good enough for any job or task I do.

  Don't be afraid to ask a doctor for help.  The lexepro does help me with anxiety, but I think I need to look into a med.  that can help me focus.  I hear that Redlin works and am looking through the Yahoo questions, if anyone out there is on it and if they think it's helping.

  Hang in there!  Your not alone.