Support strategies for children
Helpful support for children includes:
- Clear routines and visual timetables
- One instruction at a time, short tasks
- Movement breaks and sensory tools
- Calm reminders and praise for effort
- Reduced distractions
- Timers, checklists and choices
- Preparation for change
- Sleep routines and emotional coaching
- Safe spaces and positive reinforcement
- Understanding from adults
Children with ADHD often do better when adults focus on connection, structure and skill-building instead of shame or punishment.
Helpful language for children
| Instead of… | Try… |
|---|---|
| "Why aren't you listening?" | "I'll say one step at a time." |
| "Stop being lazy." | "Let's make the first step smaller." |
| "Calm down." | "I can see this feels big. I'm here." |
| "You should know this by now." | "Let's practise it again together." |
| "You're always forgetting." | "What reminder could help next time?" |
Support strategies for adults
Helpful support for adults includes:
- External reminders, calendars, alarms
- Simple routines
- Body doubling
- Decluttering
- Written instructions
- Breaking tasks into steps
- Timers
- Reducing perfectionism
- Building realistic systems
- Exercise and sleep support
- Medication if appropriate
- Coaching or therapy
- Workplace adjustments
- Supportive relationships
- Learning about ADHD
The aim is not to "try harder" but to make life easier to manage.
Tools that actually get used
- Phone reminders and smart speakers
- Visual timers and whiteboards
- Habit trackers and calendar alerts
- Meal planning and budgeting apps
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Task management apps or paper planners
- Medication reminders
- A "launch pad" by the door for keys, wallet and bag
The best tool is the one a person will actually use. Simple and visible is usually better than complicated and perfect.