fbpx

Managing Test Stress with ADHD

At this point in the school year, it may already be time for a dreaded pop-quiz or lengthy test. Tests are already stressful, but for someone with ADHD, they can bring a new element of dread. Help your student ace their next quiz or test with these tips. 

Start early.

  • Don’t wait until the night before the test to cram. Trying to cram too much information into too short of a time only leads to stress, frustration, and doesn’t help with retaining critical lessons before the test. 
  • Set your child up in their homework only zone and give them the time and space they need to review their notes and any handouts. 
  • Plan out what chapters or topics will be reviewed in the week leading up to the test. Commit to helping your student review one or two chapters or topics a night. 

Understand the test. 

Not knowing how the test will be structured can feel like walking into a dark room. It can be difficult to know what and how to study if your child doesn’t know what to expect. Before tests, have your child ask their teacher the following: 

  • What format will the test be? (multiple choice, short answer, essay, etc.)
  • How much time will be given to complete the test? 
  • What is the main focus? 
  • Is there anything they don’t need to review?

Your child may feel awkward the first time they ask these questions; by having a positive relationship with your student’s teacher, you can help them navigate the first few tests.  

Leverage your student’s individualized education plan (IEP) for any additional time or distraction-free seating that may be needed. 

Select the right study tools.

  • If you haven’t already, pick up a couple packets of flashcards for your child. These small, handy cards are great for writing down and memorizing definitions or algorithms, can be organized by subject, and make learning on the go easy. And just like with note taking, the physical act of writing down information boosts retention. 
  • Use both words and pictures to help your child remember key facts. This method of studying is useful for theories or science concepts that can be difficult to describe with words alone. Think of when you had to memorize the structure of a plant cell; the key terms may have faded but you likely remember a funny, rectangular shaped object. Get creative and encourage your student to doodle their thoughts when dealing with abstract concepts. 
  • Mnemonic devices are a fun way for your child to use their natural creativity. Mnemonics turn information into memorable phrases, quirky initialisms, or even cute songs. A common mnemonic is “Roy G. Biv.” which helps students remember the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Using mnemonics can be an excellent outlet for your child’s imagination and will likely bring some smiles to study time. 
  • Create an “I don’t know sheet” with your child during study sessions. This is a repository of all the questions or topics your student needs additional review on. Rather than struggling through a concept, write it down on the sheet and have your child follow-up with their teacher the next day. 

Healthy body = healthy brain. 

Even with all the studying in the world, your child’s brain will be sluggish come test day if their physical health is ailing. In the days leading up to the big quiz, help your child to: 

  • Get exercise to burn off extra energy and nerves
  • Take breaks from studying to clear their mind
  • Get plenty of sleep the night before the test 
  • Eat a well-rounded breakfast

Just like with homework and focusing in class, it takes time and different techniques to master tests. It’s important to remind your child that a test is just one snapshot of their much larger academic picture. If they don’t get the grade they hoped for, don’t dwell on it; remind them of the areas they are thriving in, work with them on new test-prep ideas, and prepare for the next one.

Share:

Explore More

Articles

5 Reasons to Be Thankful for ADHD

By Elizabeth Weiss Everyone is given the opportunity to stop and consider...
Read now
Podcasts

Jen Verhagen and Realizing Your Potential

Jen Verhagen was diagnosed with ADHD five years ago when...
Listen now
Webinars

Unraveling the Puzzle: ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression Explained

Do you often feel ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression overlap, making...
Watch now

Looking to take our Mentavi Smart Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

Live support will be unavailable during regular business hours on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24. You can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Monday, November 27.

Please note: Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours, check with them for their schedule.

Our site is open 24/7! You can always schedule an appointment, check out our podcasts, or read up on the latest ADHD information.

The system is experiencing technical issues scheduling new appointments.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We understand the importance of making an appointment, and this issue is our top priority.

Please reach out to us via chat or call us at 888-493-ADHD (2343) and we will assist you. If we are not available, please leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

The ADHD Online Team

We will perform scheduled maintenance on our Patient Portal on Thursday, September 28 from 5:00 – 6:30 AM ET. During this time, appointment scheduling will not be available.

Our team will be hard at work while many of you sleep to keep the disruption to a minimum. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The ADHD Online (early morning) Team

ADHD Online will be closed on
Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day.

Live support will be unavailable during this time, but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message at 888-493-ADHD (2343). We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, September 5.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you! 

Provide this form to your local practitioner. You could:

  • Send this link
  • Email the pdf
  • Print it out and bring it to your appointment

Ask your practitioner
to complete the form

In this form, your practitioner will request that ADHD Online continue to provide uninterrupted care

Return the form to us

You or your practitioner can return this form to us via email or fax it to 616-210-3118

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

For those seeking an Assessment, you can dive right in! Our portal is up throughout the holiday!

If you have a question for us, our office will be providing holiday patient support on July 3 & 4, and we are committed to responding to your needs as promptly as possible. In-person phone support may be available but limited due to holiday hours.  You can always submit a request or leave a voice message and we will prioritize addressing them upon our return. We genuinely appreciate your understanding. Full office operations will resume on Wednesday, July 5.

If you already are on our Treatment path, be aware that each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!