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Your 2016 ADHD Education Guide: Homework & Studying

Expert answers on managing your child's daily homework load and helping him demonstrate what he's learned on tests and essays.


Dear ADDitude: Part Eight

Our readers ask: How can I help my child manage homework and do well on tests?

Question 1: "My 12-year-old works for hours every night on homework. We try to break up assignments to avoid exhaustion, but it still takes forever. How can we persuade her private school to scale back the quantity of work?" Read the answer
Question 2: "My son avoids assignments when he doesn't understand the requirements or thinks they are too difficult. He has started lying about upcoming work and tests, avoiding what is overwhelming to him. What can we do?" Read the answer
Question 3: "My 13-year-old has severe processing/executive functioning deficiencies, but he's smart and has remained an A/B student — until now. He has received his first-ever Ds and Fs on tests this year. He has an IEP, helpful teachers, and medication, but I fear we have just reached that point where he simply can’t keep up." Read the answer
Question 4: "My 13-year-old rushes through his homework and often forgets to hand it in. He also has ODD, so he is so stubborn and doesn’t want to study or accept help. He is smart, but his attitude and lack of motivation are holding him back. What can I do?" Read the answer
Question 5: "My daughter failed two more tests this week that I know she didn’t study for or tell me about. Do I punish her when she gets home, let her know I know calmly, or just ignore it?" Read the answer
Question 6: "An hour worth of homework takes my son twice that long, even after taking an afternoon dose of ADHD medication, and it's complete torture. How can I put an end to his daily arguments and help him get through school work faster?" Read the answer
Question 7: "My son's school won't grant him an IEP even though his teachers and I agree that it's necessary for his education. Has anyone had luck hiring a professional advocate to help with a similar situation?" Read the answer