Homework can feel like an uphill battle for neurodivergent children. They’ve just sat through seven hours of school, trying their best to hold it together in an environment that often isn’t designed with their needs in mind. By the time they get home, their energy is drained, their focus is depleted, and the thought of tackling even more work can feel overwhelming.
As a parent, it’s natural to want to help your child succeed. But homework doesn’t have to be a source of constant stress. With some thoughtful adjustments and plenty of empathy, you can create a routine that works for your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
1. Let Them Choose Where They Work
Not every child thrives at a desk in a quiet room. Your child might do better in a space where they feel more connected to the family, like the dining room table (or under it) or a cozy corner of the living room. Maybe they would prefer to sit on the floor or lie on a beanbag.
What matters is finding a space where your child feels comfortable and can focus. Pay attention to their preferences and let them take the lead. If they’re more productive in an active part of the house, embrace it. It’s about creating an environment that suits them, not what looks “typical.”
2. Give Them Time To Recharge
After a long day of school, your child might not have the energy to jump straight into homework. They need time to decompress, reset, and refuel.
Start by offering them a snack and letting them spend time with a favorite activity. Giving them that space to recharge can help them approach their homework with a clearer mind and a more positive attitude.
3. Establish a Flexible Routine
Consistency can be comforting for neurodivergent children, so having a general homework routine is helpful. Work together to decide when homework will happen each day: before free time, after dinner, or whenever they feel ready. Write down and visually display the plan to make it easier for your child to understand and follow.
At the same time, be prepared to adapt when needed. If your child is having a particularly tough day, adjust expectations or break tasks into smaller chunks to make things more manageable.
4. Keep Supplies Organized
Hunting for a pencil or paper can derail focus and lead to frustration. Keep all homework supplies in a designated spot to make sure it’s easy for your child to assess. Consider including additional tools like noise-canceling headphones, sticky notes, and a visual timer to make them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
5. Keep Homework Time Manageable
For neurodivergent kids, homework can take longer than expected, and spending hours on it can feel exhausting and frustrating. A good rule of thumb is about 10 minutes per grade level—if it’s taking much longer, it’s worth checking in with their teacher.
Keep the lines of communication open and let teachers know if your child is struggling with certain assignments. You can work together to adjust the workload or find accommodations that make homework more manageable. The goal is to support learning, not add extra stress!
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
For a lot of neurodivergent kids, just getting started on homework can be a huge victory, especially if they struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or focus. If they’re putting in the effort, that’s worth celebrating! Maybe they completed one tough problem, stayed on task a little longer than usual, or simply sat down and gave it a try. Those are all wins.
Instead of focusing on perfection, highlight their progress. Try saying something like, “I love how you kept going, even when that problem was tricky!” or “I know that wasn’t easy, but you didn’t give up—that’s awesome!” Small moments of encouragement can help build confidence and make homework feel less overwhelming.
Homework time can feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to show your child that their unique way of learning is valid and valuable. By creating a routine tailored to their needs, being flexible, and celebrating their efforts, you’re helping them build skills, confidence, and resilience.
At West Hills Academy, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. If you’re looking for more strategies or resources to help your neurodivergent child thrive, reach out to us today.
Resources:
https://www.additudemag.com/homework-help-study-plan-adhd-brain/
https://parentingadhdandautism.com/2016/09/homework-strategies-kids-adhd-autism/
https://www.parentmap.com/supporting-neurodivergent-child-homework
