10 answers
Diego
Student
Mount Vernon, Washington
1
Question
Asked
903 views
How Can I learn better with ADHD (Attention Deficit focused)?
I'm a freshman in college taking all STEM classes and 'm currently pursing a degree in engineering (leaning towards electrical). However, I keep finding myself struggling time and time again. It takes me much longer than others to comprehend given information from lectures, and I keep finding myself constantly distracted. I want to be an engineer very badly. This sounds pretty general but I want to help innovate new technology to help people. I don't plan on letting this ADHD stop me, but without the proper help, I'm worried my path is going to be a lot more shakey. Any ideas on how to be a better learner? #Spring25
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9 answers
Alex Scholtes
Solution Architect
1
Answer
Littleton, Colorado
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Diego!
As someone who also has ADHD and got their bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, the amount of information to digest and apply towards the homework and test questions was difficult to focus on at first. Always remind yourself that this is not a deficit disorder! Our brains just prefer to think outside of the box and often times we hyper focus on understanding the root of the information which can lead to us spending more time than others would.
Below is a list of tips that I use which help me overcome falling behind with understanding different topics.
- Exercise and Diet - Morning workouts and a simple healthy breakfast improves my focusing with participating in meetings/ classes or actions items required to tackle for the day.
- Don't be afraid to raise your hand and play back your understanding of a topic or information that has been given to you. This can lead to the teacher confirming your understanding or giving you better detail about the topic. There is always someone else who also needs to hear the information played back in a different manner and this could help surface a question that someone else may have.
- Work with your Peers! Whether its homework assignments or studying for tests, collaboration really helps surface a better understanding for both you and your peer!
- Make sure you also spend time independently when studying or working on things. Find a quiet place, maybe put on some music without words. I typically use this time to separate out what I understand verses what I need more clarity on. And for the things I need more clarity on, I make a note about if one of my peers can help me or if this is more of a topic I need to ask the teacher.
-Get creative with the way you draw out your understanding. Writing things down and drawing out process flows has always helped me map out and dissect a topic or problem. The more I write it down, the better I can retain things.
Lastly, don't sit in the frustration if you're noticing your peers are retaining information faster than you. Not everyone understands a topic 100% right out of the gate. Look to them to help either bring you up to speed or challenge them to try and explain it differently to where it fits more your thought processes.
Best of luck! Always be proud of who you are and where you've come from, the journey never ends, and we all take similar and different steps forward.
As someone who also has ADHD and got their bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, the amount of information to digest and apply towards the homework and test questions was difficult to focus on at first. Always remind yourself that this is not a deficit disorder! Our brains just prefer to think outside of the box and often times we hyper focus on understanding the root of the information which can lead to us spending more time than others would.
Below is a list of tips that I use which help me overcome falling behind with understanding different topics.
- Exercise and Diet - Morning workouts and a simple healthy breakfast improves my focusing with participating in meetings/ classes or actions items required to tackle for the day.
- Don't be afraid to raise your hand and play back your understanding of a topic or information that has been given to you. This can lead to the teacher confirming your understanding or giving you better detail about the topic. There is always someone else who also needs to hear the information played back in a different manner and this could help surface a question that someone else may have.
- Work with your Peers! Whether its homework assignments or studying for tests, collaboration really helps surface a better understanding for both you and your peer!
- Make sure you also spend time independently when studying or working on things. Find a quiet place, maybe put on some music without words. I typically use this time to separate out what I understand verses what I need more clarity on. And for the things I need more clarity on, I make a note about if one of my peers can help me or if this is more of a topic I need to ask the teacher.
-Get creative with the way you draw out your understanding. Writing things down and drawing out process flows has always helped me map out and dissect a topic or problem. The more I write it down, the better I can retain things.
Lastly, don't sit in the frustration if you're noticing your peers are retaining information faster than you. Not everyone understands a topic 100% right out of the gate. Look to them to help either bring you up to speed or challenge them to try and explain it differently to where it fits more your thought processes.
Best of luck! Always be proud of who you are and where you've come from, the journey never ends, and we all take similar and different steps forward.
Mike Kane
System Engineer
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hey Diego,
I also have ADHD and struggled with finding the right way to study and grasp concepts. What I realized was that I learned better by doing than just reading and listening to lectures. Electrical engineering is a great focus where you can apply concepts in real time. My problem was that I needed to know how everything worked, not just the concept that we were working on. As an example, finding the voltage of a circuit, Just the following the equation didn’t necessarily help me understand. I needed to dive in and understand Ohm’s Law to understand the problem. I Also found using the explain to me like I’m 5 method worked wonders. Take a concept and get it on the very basics, research it from a very high level, now that you have that part of the concept, dive into the next part of the issue. Keep pulling on the thread, until you have a great understanding of the topic. If you can explain what the topic is to a 5-year-old, you know what you’re talking about.
Also, when it comes to studying, never take your “Hyper-Focus” for granted, lean into it. You may be able to grab an entire concept in an hour that would take any other person a day to understand. I also found relating the study material to something I enjoyed made understanding and recalling better.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you! Remember college is an adjustment for everyone, you will find what works for you, you got this!
I also have ADHD and struggled with finding the right way to study and grasp concepts. What I realized was that I learned better by doing than just reading and listening to lectures. Electrical engineering is a great focus where you can apply concepts in real time. My problem was that I needed to know how everything worked, not just the concept that we were working on. As an example, finding the voltage of a circuit, Just the following the equation didn’t necessarily help me understand. I needed to dive in and understand Ohm’s Law to understand the problem. I Also found using the explain to me like I’m 5 method worked wonders. Take a concept and get it on the very basics, research it from a very high level, now that you have that part of the concept, dive into the next part of the issue. Keep pulling on the thread, until you have a great understanding of the topic. If you can explain what the topic is to a 5-year-old, you know what you’re talking about.
Also, when it comes to studying, never take your “Hyper-Focus” for granted, lean into it. You may be able to grab an entire concept in an hour that would take any other person a day to understand. I also found relating the study material to something I enjoyed made understanding and recalling better.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you! Remember college is an adjustment for everyone, you will find what works for you, you got this!
Jacqy George
Software consulting and support
3
Answers
Cave Creek, Arizona
Updated
Jacqy’s Answer
Hi Diego,
Having ADHD can be difficult to cope with at times, but you can be successful in your learning and studies! My daughter has ADHD and I also have trouble with focus sometimes. Here are some things that might help:
1. Break up tasks into smaller steps. I personally do this in my own work. I am also a person who gets satisfaction from writing down a "to do" list and then being able to check off items I've completed. For me, being able to check the box on something I've finished helps to keep me motivated.
2. Take breaks! It is OK to take a break. Sometimes a quick break is all you need (5 to 10 minutes). Sometimes you need to step away for a longer time to clear your brain or rest. Do something that allows you to decompress during the longer breaks.
3. Minimize distractions. Make sure you study or workspace is clean and free from clutter. Turn off your phone or notifications.
4. I find "focus" music playlists help me. Instrumental or something without words. I love my "Calm" app and I also have one called "BetterSleep". These also help me shut down my brain at night so I can fall asleep because sometimes my brain is on over drive, and I can't quiet it.
5. Make sure you take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and get some exercise.
Remember, you've got this! You aren't alone here and there are many very successful people in this world with ADHD!
Having ADHD can be difficult to cope with at times, but you can be successful in your learning and studies! My daughter has ADHD and I also have trouble with focus sometimes. Here are some things that might help:
1. Break up tasks into smaller steps. I personally do this in my own work. I am also a person who gets satisfaction from writing down a "to do" list and then being able to check off items I've completed. For me, being able to check the box on something I've finished helps to keep me motivated.
2. Take breaks! It is OK to take a break. Sometimes a quick break is all you need (5 to 10 minutes). Sometimes you need to step away for a longer time to clear your brain or rest. Do something that allows you to decompress during the longer breaks.
3. Minimize distractions. Make sure you study or workspace is clean and free from clutter. Turn off your phone or notifications.
4. I find "focus" music playlists help me. Instrumental or something without words. I love my "Calm" app and I also have one called "BetterSleep". These also help me shut down my brain at night so I can fall asleep because sometimes my brain is on over drive, and I can't quiet it.
5. Make sure you take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and get some exercise.
Remember, you've got this! You aren't alone here and there are many very successful people in this world with ADHD!
Olivia Greenlee
Sr. Consultant
2
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Diego,
I understand what you're going through with ADHD, as both my son and I experience it too. It's interesting how what helps me doesn't always help him, but that's okay. It's important to try different strategies to discover what suits you best and keeps you focused. For me, taking mental breaks and organizing my tasks or thoughts make a big difference. Having a clear picture of my goals also helps me stay on track.
The best advice I got in school was about tackling big challenges: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" It might sound simple, but it taught me to take things step by step and be kind to myself. Remember, you're learning about yourself and new subjects, so focus on your strengths and celebrate each win, no matter how small!
I understand what you're going through with ADHD, as both my son and I experience it too. It's interesting how what helps me doesn't always help him, but that's okay. It's important to try different strategies to discover what suits you best and keeps you focused. For me, taking mental breaks and organizing my tasks or thoughts make a big difference. Having a clear picture of my goals also helps me stay on track.
The best advice I got in school was about tackling big challenges: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" It might sound simple, but it taught me to take things step by step and be kind to myself. Remember, you're learning about yourself and new subjects, so focus on your strengths and celebrate each win, no matter how small!
Carl Manson Jr., PMP
5G Program Manager - Verizon
92
Answers
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hello Diego,
Having ADHD can make learning a bit more challenging, but remember, you have the strength to overcome it! Today, we have the tools to understand and manage ADHD, which is a big advantage compared to the past when students often didn't receive the help they needed. Here are some strategies that might support you. Always remember to work closely with your caregivers and seek professional advice.
Here’s a list of strategies that can make learning with ADHD more effective:
- Active Learning: Get involved in group work, projects, and activities that require movement to keep you engaged and help you remember better.
- Study Environment: Set up a quiet and dedicated study area without distractions; consider using white noise if it helps.
- Organization: Use calendars, to-do lists, and folders to keep track of assignments and schedules.
- Visual Aids: Make learning fun with color-coding, highlighting, and concept mapping.
- Breaks and Rewards: Take regular breaks and reward yourself to stay motivated.
- Active Recall: Use flashcards and self-testing to actively recall information.
- Repetition: Reinforce what you learn through notes, flashcards, and practice exercises.
- Chunking: Break big tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
- Minimize Distractions: Identify distractions like noise and social media, and find ways to reduce them.
- Physical Activity: Engage in physical activity to boost your attention and focus.
- Seeking Support: Reach out to tutors, support groups, or other resources to help with learning challenges.
You've got this, Diego! Keep pushing forward, and remember that support is always available.
Having ADHD can make learning a bit more challenging, but remember, you have the strength to overcome it! Today, we have the tools to understand and manage ADHD, which is a big advantage compared to the past when students often didn't receive the help they needed. Here are some strategies that might support you. Always remember to work closely with your caregivers and seek professional advice.
Here’s a list of strategies that can make learning with ADHD more effective:
- Active Learning: Get involved in group work, projects, and activities that require movement to keep you engaged and help you remember better.
- Study Environment: Set up a quiet and dedicated study area without distractions; consider using white noise if it helps.
- Organization: Use calendars, to-do lists, and folders to keep track of assignments and schedules.
- Visual Aids: Make learning fun with color-coding, highlighting, and concept mapping.
- Breaks and Rewards: Take regular breaks and reward yourself to stay motivated.
- Active Recall: Use flashcards and self-testing to actively recall information.
- Repetition: Reinforce what you learn through notes, flashcards, and practice exercises.
- Chunking: Break big tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
- Minimize Distractions: Identify distractions like noise and social media, and find ways to reduce them.
- Physical Activity: Engage in physical activity to boost your attention and focus.
- Seeking Support: Reach out to tutors, support groups, or other resources to help with learning challenges.
You've got this, Diego! Keep pushing forward, and remember that support is always available.
Gabriel Stone
Solutions Architect
1
Answer
Anchor Point, AK
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
I have combined-type ADHD and I have my computer science degree. I've experienced exactly what you have - that feeling of spinning your wheels, getting distracted, getting behind, and the cycle just repeats. The path can be shaky for sure, but I have one piece of advice that has been hard-won over the years:
Know yourself.
Specifically, know how you best learn, know what motivates you.
This process of learning how my ADHD brain works has yielded the following insights over the years:
- I love to read to learn, but it HAS to be paired up with practice & application, both during & after the learning process (even if it is just notes). Try to use a reading or learning method like THIEVES, Feynman or PQ4R (https://www.reddit.com/r/GetStudying/comments/14k1zht/10_study_methods_tips_that_actually_work/).
- It is tempting to hyperfocus and keep beating on a problem until it's solved. Don't. Take breaks between work sessions. Use Pomodoro technique if you have to (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique/). The longer you study, the less you'll retain. And the harder you bang on a problem, the less likely you'll solve it. Take a walk, take a nap, take a break. Disconnect and let your brain reset.
- Exercise, diet & sleep. It'll be that much tougher if you're out of balance in those areas. Too many carbs I find affects my concentration really negatively.
- Don't over-organize. I find the more I prepare, the less I do, and the more dejected I become when I don't have a good day. Find a good organizational app to keep everything straight (I use TickTick on Android).
- Don't mentally try too hard. Let your brain, your understanding, guide you to the next paragraph and the next page. Having something in your fingers may help to twirl, click or spin.
- Remember that ADHD working memory simply sucks. Writing down ideas or tasks in notepads or apps is great, as it helps to bridge the gap between your short-term and long term memory.
- Remember INCUP - the primary ADHD-brain motivators (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, passion). Too often I hear people's frustration with having last-minute stuff rule their lives with stress. There's nothing that will kill an ADHDer's task motivation than plenty of time. Still, the alternative is you rush before it has to be done and give yourself a heart attack in the process.
Well there you have it - about 30 years of learning how my brain works :) And I'm still learning and trying new things to see if they work better. There is no finish line, so find things that work, and don't use things that don't. ADHD can be a superpower - if you know how to use it.
Know yourself.
Specifically, know how you best learn, know what motivates you.
This process of learning how my ADHD brain works has yielded the following insights over the years:
- I love to read to learn, but it HAS to be paired up with practice & application, both during & after the learning process (even if it is just notes). Try to use a reading or learning method like THIEVES, Feynman or PQ4R (https://www.reddit.com/r/GetStudying/comments/14k1zht/10_study_methods_tips_that_actually_work/).
- It is tempting to hyperfocus and keep beating on a problem until it's solved. Don't. Take breaks between work sessions. Use Pomodoro technique if you have to (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique/). The longer you study, the less you'll retain. And the harder you bang on a problem, the less likely you'll solve it. Take a walk, take a nap, take a break. Disconnect and let your brain reset.
- Exercise, diet & sleep. It'll be that much tougher if you're out of balance in those areas. Too many carbs I find affects my concentration really negatively.
- Don't over-organize. I find the more I prepare, the less I do, and the more dejected I become when I don't have a good day. Find a good organizational app to keep everything straight (I use TickTick on Android).
- Don't mentally try too hard. Let your brain, your understanding, guide you to the next paragraph and the next page. Having something in your fingers may help to twirl, click or spin.
- Remember that ADHD working memory simply sucks. Writing down ideas or tasks in notepads or apps is great, as it helps to bridge the gap between your short-term and long term memory.
- Remember INCUP - the primary ADHD-brain motivators (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, passion). Too often I hear people's frustration with having last-minute stuff rule their lives with stress. There's nothing that will kill an ADHDer's task motivation than plenty of time. Still, the alternative is you rush before it has to be done and give yourself a heart attack in the process.
Well there you have it - about 30 years of learning how my brain works :) And I'm still learning and trying new things to see if they work better. There is no finish line, so find things that work, and don't use things that don't. ADHD can be a superpower - if you know how to use it.
Jessica Bisher
Research Operations and Management
1
Answer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
A lot of great advice has already been captured, so I will add some thoughts that I didn't see in other responses:
- Meditation: Important for mindfulness and helps with working memory capacity
- Simply understanding that you take more time to learn: When I started to get frustrated by this early on in my career, I started with grace given to myself. I simply take more time, but once I DO understand it, I can make myself a real expert. And I never lose the information once it IS retained. So allow yourself the grace, and then get to work.
- Small goals each day leading to large completed work: Take small steps every day on work that inspires you. It can be hard to retain motivation with ADHD given quicker burnout rates, so staying inspired gives you the energy to keep going + it gives you that dopamine hit that your brain will appreciate. With this dopamine hit, you'll train your brain to keep charging forward on inspiring work.
- Meditation: Important for mindfulness and helps with working memory capacity
- Simply understanding that you take more time to learn: When I started to get frustrated by this early on in my career, I started with grace given to myself. I simply take more time, but once I DO understand it, I can make myself a real expert. And I never lose the information once it IS retained. So allow yourself the grace, and then get to work.
- Small goals each day leading to large completed work: Take small steps every day on work that inspires you. It can be hard to retain motivation with ADHD given quicker burnout rates, so staying inspired gives you the energy to keep going + it gives you that dopamine hit that your brain will appreciate. With this dopamine hit, you'll train your brain to keep charging forward on inspiring work.
Michelle Hinojosa
Associate Program Manager
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Diego,
I resonate with you on this – I also navigate life with ADHD, which has definitely added extra challenges compared to my peers. I often find myself procrastinating, especially when faced with large tasks and the steps involved, both personally and professionally.
Here are a few strategies that have been helpful for me:
- Pomodoro Technique: Focused 25-minute work intervals with short breaks.
- Time Blocking: Scheduling specific blocks for subjects or tasks.
- Realistic Goals: Prioritizing necessary tasks over desired ones.
- Communication: Letting your professors / bosses know about your ADHD. This has led to helpful accommodations.
Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this process. You're not alone, and you'll find your way. Keep going!
I resonate with you on this – I also navigate life with ADHD, which has definitely added extra challenges compared to my peers. I often find myself procrastinating, especially when faced with large tasks and the steps involved, both personally and professionally.
Here are a few strategies that have been helpful for me:
- Pomodoro Technique: Focused 25-minute work intervals with short breaks.
- Time Blocking: Scheduling specific blocks for subjects or tasks.
- Realistic Goals: Prioritizing necessary tasks over desired ones.
- Communication: Letting your professors / bosses know about your ADHD. This has led to helpful accommodations.
Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this process. You're not alone, and you'll find your way. Keep going!
Trevor Corbin
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Hello, Diego! I don't have ADHD, but I do have OCD, and it has touched every part of my life, especially at work.
My OCD often makes me move slower than I'd like. I worry about things that probably won't go wrong. I struggle to reach out because of social anxieties. I'm usually very careful and analytical with projects. Over my career, I've found ways to manage this.
First, I've decided to see my OCD not as a burden, but as part of who I am. I don’t let it define me. Yes, it can make things tougher, but I've found positives too. I appreciate how analytical and organized it makes me, and others often compliment me on this. With practice, I've turned it into a tool rather than something that holds me back.
Second, it improves with practice. The more I work, the better I get at managing my OCD or even challenging it. I suggest looking at some of the advice above for more tips on handling ADHD.
Lastly, be gentle with yourself, never give up, and don’t let it define you. Learn to work with it and let it make you stronger.
My OCD often makes me move slower than I'd like. I worry about things that probably won't go wrong. I struggle to reach out because of social anxieties. I'm usually very careful and analytical with projects. Over my career, I've found ways to manage this.
First, I've decided to see my OCD not as a burden, but as part of who I am. I don’t let it define me. Yes, it can make things tougher, but I've found positives too. I appreciate how analytical and organized it makes me, and others often compliment me on this. With practice, I've turned it into a tool rather than something that holds me back.
Second, it improves with practice. The more I work, the better I get at managing my OCD or even challenging it. I suggest looking at some of the advice above for more tips on handling ADHD.
Lastly, be gentle with yourself, never give up, and don’t let it define you. Learn to work with it and let it make you stronger.