top of page
Search
Writer's pictureVeronica Karwoski

ADHD, DYSLEXIA, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING CHALLENGES AND PROCRASTINATION



ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support

Table of Contents: 1. We don't understand the end goal

2. We don't know the first step 3. There is a skill gap 4. Memory challenges 5. Emotional Regulation



follow me on instagram or facebook.







What is activation


ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

Activation is an executive functioning skill that involves planning out actions, organizing and gathering materials, starting assignments or tasks. You might also be familiar with the term task initiation- initiating meaning to "start." Activation can be in small steps- like changing into pajamas at night or answering the first question on a quiz.


Activation and task initiation can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning weaknesses. Activation gets more challenging the larger or more multistep a task becomes. Here are some examples of multistep tasks.



In an academic setting:


ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor
  • research papers

  • science fair projects

  • book reports

  • preparing for final exams

  • applying to college




ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

Adult responsibilities :

  • buying a house

  • getting a job

  • home renovations

  • let's be honest, doing the laundry



ADHD, Executive Functioning, Dyslexia, & Procrastination

ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

If you haven't heard of the concept of activation before, you've probably heard of "procrastination," or delaying starting something that we know we should. It is actually a super common occurrence, especially for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning weaknesses. Procrastination often elicits feelings of shame.



ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

If we're not careful this can contribute to a cycle of raising the expectations for not doing enough which then creates a negative association within our brain in regards to the task. That negative association then makes us want to avoid it even more.


So, that's one reason we don't start tasks- it seems like a grueling activity that we have only demonstrated failing at.



ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

There are more logistical reasons as well though. I've found when I show my students tools to work through these less personal barriers they often have the boost they need to overcome the procrastination cycle.


I am going to list some common reasons why procrastination and avoidance can happen, and how to overcome them.


 

1. Problem: We don't understand the end goal. If the target is unclear, it can be hard to know what to do.

ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

Solution: ​

  • Check grading rubrics

  • Look for examples

  • Clearly read assignment directions before they start.






2. Problem: Students don't know the first step.

ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

Solution:

  • Think about and write all the steps that will be required and what order they will need to be done in. This can get tricky- be prepared for these obstacles...

  • The steps may not be explicitly stated- you may need to think of them on your own. I recommend brainstorming, talking to peers, and asking the teacher if you get stuck.

  • If the steps are explicitly stated, there still may be some pre-steps that aren't directly stated. These might include buying needed materials, obtaining subscriptions, or ordering books.


3. Problem: There is a skills gap related to ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning.


ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

For example, We may be assigned a research paper, but we haven't yet mastered paragraph or essay organization.


We may be working on math homework that involves comparing percentages, but we are missing some foundational concepts needed to understand fractions and parts of a whole.


Solution:

ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

  • Go to extra tutorial sessions often provided for free by the teacher

  • Ask a peer or friend for help

  • Use online resources. For our listed examples- The internet has "solve the problem" websites and a plethora of example essays.

  • Weave in opportunities to practice missing skills.


ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

4. Problem: We have a working memory weakness and frequently forget about tasks we need to do, or what the directions say.


Solution:

  • Physical and virtual reminders like post its, phone or calendar alarms

  • Work with a peer for accountability




ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

5. Problem: We have an inhibitory control or attention weakness. We are easily distracted and have difficulty resisting impulses and screening out unnecessary information.


Solution:

  • limit distractions by removing unnecessary electronics

  • working in a structured study session or with a tutor


5. Problem: We struggle to regulate our emotion and energy states and may be hyper aroused or panicked often, or hypo aroused and in a "frozen" state


ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support, Atlanta tutor

Solution:

I've write in detail about emotional regulation here.



ADHD, executive functioning, dyslexia, academic support

28 views0 comments

Bình luận


bottom of page