Assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming for any student. But for those living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), completing projects and managing the responsibilities of school life can be an immense challenge. Without the proper resources and support, students with ADHD can struggle to finish assignments, pass exams, and keep up with their peers.

Fortunately, assistive technology can make a significant difference for students with ADHD, as it can help students achieve the focus and attention they need to succeed in school.

In this article, we'll explain what assistive technology is and explore the best tools for helping students with ADHD achieve academic success. 

Contact the ADHD Centre to find out which assistive tools are suitable for your child’s academic needs.

What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is any tool or device that can help individuals with disabilities, including those with ADHD, to perform everyday tasks. Assistive technology is very common in school settings. Assistive technology is classified as either low-tech or high-tech:

Low-tech tools: Inexpensive and easy-to-use tools that help students stay organised and focused (e.g. planners, large-print books).

High-tech tools: Advanced electronic tools that often include multiple features and can be customised to meet specific needs (e.g. screen readers, voice recognition software).

By improving organisation and focus in students with ADHD, these tools can improve functional capabilities, increase independence, and support learning.

The Best Assistive Technologies for ADHD

Organisation tools: Organisation tools help individuals with ADHD stay organised, prioritise school tasks, and improve time management, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with poor planning and procrastination. Using an organisation tool also reduces working memory demand, freeing up a student’s cognitive resources for learning.

Organisation tools include a variety of low-tech tools, such as schedules, to-do lists, and calendars to manage tasks, set deadlines, and stay organised. High-tech organisation tools include digital organisers and task management apps like Any.do.

Reminder devices: Reminder devices, such as smartwatches (e.g. Apple Watch) can provide timely prompts and alarms to help students with ADHD stay on track with their daily tasks, appointments, and medications. These devices can be programmed to deliver visual, auditory, or tactile cues, catering to different preferences and needs.

If the investment in high-tech reminder devices is too much, simple calendar alerts and productivity timers (e.g. a Pomodoro timer) can help with time management at school.

Speech recognition software: Speech recognition software (e.g. Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Google Docs Voice Typing) allows users to dictate text instead of typing, which can be particularly helpful for writing and organising thoughts. Speech recognition software can help with tasks such as creating documents and note-taking.

Reading Software: Reading software, such as SwiftRead, can make text easier to read and increase reading speed. Text-to-speech software like NaturalReader and Speechify reads digital text aloud, which can be beneficial for students who have trouble focusing or comprehending written material. Text-to-speech technology can be used with e-books, websites, and digital documents.

Writing Tools: Word-prediction software, such as Co:Writer, suggests words as the user types, making it easier for students with ADHD to write and express their thoughts. Portable word processors like FreeWrite are portable lightweight devices specifically designed for writing. They're free from the distractions that come with using a laptop computer, allowing students to focus without notifications, social media or other distractions that appear on a computer screen.

Distraction Blockers: Parents and teachers can use tools such as Freedom to block access to websites and apps, allowing students to stay focused on their work and avoid online distractions.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones can improve focus by blocking out distracting background noises. These are particularly useful in busy environments, such as classrooms.

Research suggests noise-cancelling headphones can be especially beneficial for students with a learning disability like ADHD. Studies showed that when elementary students with a learning disability wore noise-cancelling headphones, they had a greater improvement in reading scores, compared to students without learning disabilities.

Wearable technology: Wearable devices like the Revibe smartwatch are specifically designed to help students with ADHD improve focus and attention by sending coaching reminders and cues when a student gets off task. Wearable technology can promote better focus, attention, and emotional regulation, improving learning outcomes.

Benefits of Assistive Technology Tools for ADHD

Technology-related assistance can help students with ADHD navigate the challenges of their condition and succeed at school. Choosing the right tools can provide the following benefits:

Addressing learning difficulties: Assistive technology can help students with ADHD tackle learning difficulties. With tools like text-to-speech software, which can read digital text aloud, students can better understand and retain information. Additionally, word prediction software can address poor writing skills by suggesting words as the student types.

Enhancing Focus and Attention: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention and poor focus. Assistive technologies like smartwatches and alarms can enhance focus and attention by providing timely prompts. Portable word processors offer a distraction-free writing environment, allowing students to concentrate on their work without being sidetracked by notifications.

Boosting self-reliance and confidence: Assistive technology can boost self-reliance and confidence by equipping students with the tools they need to manage their own learning and productivity, without constant supervision by a parent or teacher.

Supporting time management and task completion: Assistive technology supports time management and task completion by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps and providing visual cues and reminders. For example, planners and visual schedules can help students structure their time effectively, ensuring they stay on track and complete tasks efficiently.

Finding the Right Assistive Technology

For students struggling with poor focus and inattention, achieving academic success can be a challenge. However, with the right assistive technologies, students with ADHD can complete tasks and achieve their goals more easily.

Determining the right type of assistive technology depends on the unique needs and challenges of each student. An ADHD specialist can assess your child’s ADHD symptoms and academic challenges to determine the most suitable assistive technology for their needs.

Book an assessment at The ADHD Centre today to find the best assistive technologies for your child.

FAQs: Assistive Technology for ADHD

Is Technology-Related Assistance Free in the UK?

In many situations, assistive tools are free. Educational institutions are required under the UK Equality Act 2010 (similar to the US Disabilities Education Act) to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, which can include providing assistive technology. Many assistive technologies, such as Google Docs voice typing, calendars, and timers, are also available to anyone for free.

What is the Best Assistive Technology for ADHD Learning Difficulties?

There is a broad range of assistive technologies available today, and new ones are always emerging. The best tool depends on the unique needs, challenges, and goals of each student. To find the best assistive technology, consult with an ADHD clinic.