How to Study with a Tutor When You Have ADHD: Strategies and Benefits

by: Joel Pérez , Founder of Ok-Tutors

Students with ADHD often face unique challenges in traditional learning environments—difficulty maintaining focus, staying organized, and managing time effectively. However, one-on-one tutoring can be a game-changer for students with ADHD, providing personalized support that addresses these specific needs. Here's how to maximize tutoring sessions and the benefits this approach offers.

Strategies for Effective Tutoring with ADHD

1. Keep Sessions Short and Focused

Students with ADHD typically have shorter attention spans, so traditional hour-long sessions may not be effective. Instead, break tutoring into shorter, more frequent sessions—30 to 45 minutes works well. This prevents mental fatigue and helps maintain engagement throughout the session.

2. Use Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques

Incorporate different learning modalities to keep things interesting and reinforce concepts:

• Visual aids like charts, diagrams, and color-coded notes

• Hands-on activities and manipulatives for math concepts

• Movement breaks between focused work periods

• Audio recordings or videos to supplement written materials

Variety keeps the brain engaged and helps information stick better.

3. Create Clear Structure and Routines

Students with ADHD thrive on predictability. Work with your tutor to establish:

• Consistent session times and locations

• A predictable session structure (warm-up, main content, review, preview of next session)

• Clear goals for each session written down at the beginning

• Visual timers to help with time awareness

This structure reduces anxiety and helps students know what to expect.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Large assignments can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD. A good tutor will help break projects and study material into manageable chunks, creating a step-by-step roadmap. This makes tasks feel less daunting and provides frequent opportunities for accomplishment and positive reinforcement.

5. Incorporate Movement and Brain Breaks

Don't fight the need for movement—embrace it! Schedule short breaks every 15-20 minutes for stretching, walking, or quick physical activities. These breaks actually improve focus when students return to academic work.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement Generously

Students with ADHD often experience more criticism than praise in traditional classrooms. A tutor can provide immediate, specific positive feedback that builds confidence and motivation. Celebrate small wins and focus on effort and improvement rather than just correct answers.

Benefits of Tutoring for Students with ADHD

Personalized Pacing

Unlike classroom settings where teachers must keep a certain pace, tutors can slow down when concepts are challenging and move quickly through material the student grasps easily. This flexibility reduces frustration and prevents the student from falling behind or becoming bored.

Reduced Distractions

One-on-one tutoring eliminates many classroom distractions—other students talking, movement, visual stimuli. This quieter environment helps students with ADHD focus better on the material at hand.

Executive Function Support

Many students with ADHD struggle with executive functions like planning, organization, and time management. Tutors can explicitly teach these skills alongside academic content, helping students develop strategies they'll use throughout their lives.

Customized Learning Strategies

Every student with ADHD is different. A tutor can experiment with various techniques to discover what works best for that individual student, whether it's color-coding, mnemonics, movement-based learning, or technology tools.

Improved Self-Esteem

Regular success in tutoring sessions—achieved through appropriate challenges and consistent support—builds confidence. Students begin to see themselves as capable learners rather than focusing on past struggles.

Better Communication with Teachers

Tutors can help students develop self-advocacy skills and communicate more effectively with classroom teachers about their needs. They can also help interpret teacher feedback and assignment instructions that might be confusing.

What to Look for in a Tutor

When selecting a tutor for a student with ADHD, consider:

• Experience with ADHD: While not always necessary, tutors familiar with ADHD understand the challenges and have proven strategies

• Patience and positivity: Look for someone who celebrates progress and maintains an encouraging attitude

• Flexibility: The ability to adjust approaches based on what's working in the moment

• Strong communication: Regular updates to parents about progress and strategies being used

Final Thoughts

Tutoring can be transformative for students with ADHD, providing the individualized attention, structure, and support they need to succeed academically. By implementing ADHD-friendly strategies and working with a patient, experienced tutor, students can not only improve their grades but also develop confidence and skills that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.