They can spend hours on what fascinates them, yet find it impossible to get started on their homework. ADHD is not a lack of motivation, but a different way of functioning when faced with tasks. Here is how to understand and help. Understanding how their motivation works helps you support them better.
People with ADHD are highly motivated by what is new, stimulating or immediately rewarding. Repetitive or lengthy tasks, or those with distant benefits, are much harder. This is why homework is often more difficult than games.
You will find more details in the article ADHD and dopamine.
A child with ADHD who does not get started is not lazy. They struggle to begin and to sustain effort on a task that is not stimulating. Changing your perspective helps you find better solutions.
Our article Common misconceptions about ADHD complements this advice.
Turning a task into a challenge, a game or a race against the clock, varying the materials, working with someone: these tips help with getting engaged. A little play makes the effort easier to sustain.
To go further, see Games for children with ADHD.
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Frequent rewards, even small ones, motivate more than a distant goal. A points system can help. Rewards should remain simple and regular.
The article ADHD and reward systems covers this topic in detail.
A task broken down into small steps seems more manageable. Each completed step renews motivation. Ticking off finished steps keeps the desire going.
This point is explained step by step in ADHD and procrastination.
Linking learning to their interests can help them get involved. Their passions can become a gateway to learning.
To go further, read our article ADHD and hyperfocus.
Repeated failures eventually discourage. Praising their efforts and progress keeps the desire to try alive. An encouraged child keeps wanting to have a go.
We detail this point in ADHD and self-esteem.
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No, it is a different way of functioning when faced with tasks. A different kind of motivation.
With challenges, frequent rewards and broken-down tasks. Rewards that come soon.
Because stimulating activities easily capture their attention. Breaking down tasks.
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