What are strategies for managing homework with ADHD? 

Managing homework can be a challenge for children with ADHD, but with the right strategies, they can improve focus, organisation, and task completion. Effective strategies, based on recent guidance from NHS and NICE, include structured routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement. 

Effective strategies for managing homework 

According to NICE NG87 (2025), parents and teachers should break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and provide immediate feedback to maintain focus and motivation. NHS (2025) suggests using timers and visual checklists to create a predictable homework routine, with short, timed work intervals (10-20 minutes), followed by breaks to help maintain concentration. 

Additionally, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (2025) recommends reward systems, such as stickers or tokens, linked to task completion to reinforce effort and progress. Using colour-coded charts and task segmentation can help students avoid overwhelm and improve their ability to stay on task. 

Reducing distractions and building independence 

A quiet, clutter-free space is essential for focus. RCPsych (2025) also advises creating a consistent environment with clear rules for study time, supporting the child’s growing independence while managing homework. 

For additional support, ADHD Certify offers professional ADHD assessments and tailored strategies for helping children manage homework and develop organisational skills. 

Key takeaway 

To help children with ADHD manage homework effectively, parents and teachers should use structured routines, timers, visual supports, and reward systems. These strategies, when applied consistently, improve focus, task completion, and independence. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.