Part I: Top Hurdles for ADHD Student Writers
A few years ago, I googled "chronic overwhelm"—and found myself fairly shocked when nearly every single search result mentioned ADHD.
I had only ever jokingly referred to myself as "ADHD" because I lost my keys easily and erred on the chatty side. (Both remain true!) But I also wrote for hours on end with a great deal of focus and motivation; I'd recently completed my novel The Crocodile Bride and gotten a long dreamed-of book deal.
When I dug a little deeper, I realized my capacity for hyper-focusing on tasks I find engaging is also key trait of—you guessed it—ADHD.
I eventually received a formal diagnosis, and better understanding the way my brain works has been revelatory. I've been able to give myself grace, recognize certain patterns and the reason behind them, and learn tools for navigating overwhelm in particular.
This insight also helped me strengthen my strategies with students—many of whom are fellow "ADHDers.”
In a three-part series this month, I'll discuss the common hurdles I see my ADHD students experience when it comes to writing—and how I address them.
Perhaps there's a tool in here that you or your student—ADHD or no—will find useful, too!
ADHD Overwhelm—and How Access Points Help
For neurotypical students, a big writing task might feel daunting—but they can see a clearly defined set of stepping stones leading to the top of the mountain. Then they start up that mountain, no problem.
For ADHD students, though, those stepping stones appear piled high on top of each other like a chaotic, impenetrable wall. There is no clear step-by-step path to the top—only overwhelm. Students feel stuck in place, and stress levels not commensurate with the assignment can quickly escalate.
Essays by their nature require a step by step process to grow them from the natural chaos of ideas and creativity to the polished coherence of a final draft.
So, for my ADHD students in particular, I use a favorite strategy that I call ACCESS POINTS to help them see past the overwhelm and take a first step—or several—toward completion.
Below is a one-page preview of my tip sheet on creating access points—but if you'd like the free two-page PDF, just click the link to download:
If these tips feel helpful and you've got high school admissions on the brain, check out my Admissions Essay Starter Pack for 8th Graders.
Informed by 15 years of specializing in admissions essays + almost 20 years in education, this digital starter pack includes:
ADHD-informed strategies for breaking down prompts—along with writing and organizing the essays.
Six authentic essays from NYC 8th graders with my commentary about why they're strong (and no over-editing from adults).
Tips for harnessing all six traits of writing in order to create a powerful, AUTHENTIC, and unique admissions essay.
...and more.
Psst...Would ADHD tips, admissions essay guidance, and other writing support be helpful for a parent you know? Copy the link below to share this resource! 📤
www.writewellbrooklyn.com/blog/part-i-top-hurdles-for-adhd-student-writers