If your children are anything like mine, sitting still for even a few minutes feels impossible. Whether it’s constant fidgeting, meltdowns from overstimulation, dysgraphia, or slower processing requiring repeated instructions due to audio processing disorders, I hope this post can help.
We began our home education journey because traditional school methods just didn’t seem to fit. Our kids would return from school entirely overwhelmed and in meltdown pretty much every single day.
I knew we’d need to approach learning differently to make it work for their unique needs. From worksheets designed with neurodivergence in mind to sensory toys that help them focus, here’s what’s worked for us—and I’m hoping it could help you too.
As a side note, my wife and I were both recently diagnosed with ADHD and we are awaiting diagnoses for the rest of the family—so we’re a relative mishmash of ASD, ADHD, and AuDHD. I’ve covered my journey in this post about unmasking undiagnosed adult ADHD for those interested.
Oooh and there’ll be a bigger post on this later, but I’m happy to share with you all that Dad Blog is now an official Twinkl Ambassador!
Unlock Your Child’s Potential: Tips and Worksheets for Home Educating Kids with ASD and ADHD
Table of Contents
ADHD and ASD Problems in Children
Many children with ADHD or ASD face challenges that go beyond simple distractions.
Common Issues in Children with ADHD
Children with ADHD often face a variety of challenges that can impact their learning and daily lives. Some common issues include:
- Impulsivity: Acting on impulse without thinking things through – whether it’s interrupting others, struggling to wait their turn, or diving into risky situations without a second thought. If you’ve got a kid like mine, you know that sometimes their brain just moves faster than their brakes can handle!
- Hyperactivity: Always on the move, fidgeting, and finding it near impossible to stay still. If you’ve ever seen your kid constantly bouncing in their chair or pacing while trying to listen, you know exactly what I mean.
- Inattention: Staying focused can be a huge battle. Whether it’s zoning out during a lesson or forgetting the next step in a task, staying on track is tough. My kids often starts with the best of intentions, but halfway through, they’re off to another thought.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Emotions can go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s frustration over a difficult assignment or tears when plans change unexpectedly, emotional control can be tough.
- Executive Functioning Issues: Planning, organising, and completing tasks can feel like climbing a mountain. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had a mini-crisis because we couldn’t find something at the last minute or forgot an important step in a project.
- Low Frustration Tolerance: It’s easy to get frustrated, and small setbacks can quickly escalate. My children will sometimes give up entirely when things don’t go right on the first try, which leads to some challenging moments for all of us.
ADHD can present in different forms, including combined, inattentive, and hyperactive types, each with its own unique challenges.
ADHD Types
- Combined ADHD: Children with combined ADHD experience both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, making it difficult for them to focus and control impulses at the same time. (Both my wife and I are diagnosed ADHD-C)
- Inattentive ADHD: Those with inattentive ADHD may seem daydreamy or easily distracted, often missing key information.
- Hyperactive ADHD: Hyperactive ADHD often shows up as constant fidgeting and a strong need for movement, which can make traditional classroom settings especially challenging.
Another thing worth mentioning is that girls are often less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to boys. I’ve seen this firsthand—ADHD in girls can be more subtle, and instead of being hyperactive, they might just seem ‘daydreamy’ or overly quiet. If you want to dive deeper into why this happens, you can check out this article on underdiagnosed ADHD in women, which explains the diagnosis rate differences between men and women really well.
Common Issues in Children with ASD
Children with ASD also face a wide range of challenges, and these can vary significantly from child to child. Some common issues include:
- Difficulty with Social Interaction: Many children with ASD struggle to understand social cues, such as facial expressions or body language, making interactions with peers challenging.
- Repetitive Behaviors: Repeating actions, sounds, or phrases is a common characteristic of ASD. These behaviors can be comforting to children and help them manage anxiety.
- Communication Challenges: Delayed speech, difficulty maintaining conversations, or an inability to pick up on non-verbal communication can be challenging for children with ASD.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Children with ASD are often highly sensitive to sensory input like lights, sounds, or textures, which can lead to sensory overload and meltdowns.
- Rigid Routines: Many children with ASD thrive on routine and may become anxious or distressed if their schedule is disrupted.
- Emotional Regulation: Emotional responses can be intense, and it can be challenging for children with ASD to regulate their emotions, leading to frequent outbursts or meltdowns.
Types of ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can show up in lots of different ways, and it’s important to remember that each child is unique. Here are some common types of ASD that might help you understand the different experiences:
- Autistim Spectrum Disorder: This is often called “classic autism.” It includes significant challenges with communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. It’s the one people tend to think of first when they hear “autism.”
- Asperger Syndrome: An outdated term, as all diagnoses now fall under “ASD”, but worth mentioning as people are still familiar with it. Children with Asperger Syndrome were seen as to have milder symptoms. They usually don’t have delays in language development or intelligence, but social interaction can be a big challenge.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Sometimes called “atypical autism,” PDD-NOS is used when a child shows some symptoms of autism but doesn’t fit neatly into any specific category. It’s like a mix-and-match of different traits without all the criteria for one specific type. Also an outdated term, but worth bringing up.
Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Children in School
Sitting Still and Fidgeting
If your child has ADHD, you probably know how tough it is for them to stay seated. The constant urge to move around can make it nearly impossible to concentrate on tasks. It’s like their bodies just don’t want to cooperate when they need to be still.
While I managed to stay seated during class, I was perpetually swinging on my chair and looking for any excuse to get up. My boy, however, REALLY struggled with sitting still, and without sensory toys to distract, you’d be lucky to see him sitting still for more than 30 seconds.
Dysgraphia
Writing can be really challenging for some kids. Dysgraphia makes it tough for them to form letters, organise their thoughts on paper, or even hold a pen properly. In a typical classroom, where writing is the main way of expressing ideas, this can be a real struggle.
Audio Processing Disorders
If your child has ASD or ADHD, they might have a hard time processing verbal instructions quickly. I know my own kiddo often misses parts of what I say or feels overwhelmed by too much talking all at once. It can be super frustrating for them, especially when they miss key parts of a lesson.
Sensory Overload
Sensory sensitivities are really common for kids with ASD. Bright lights, loud noises, itchy clothing—all of these things can make it hard for them to concentrate on schoolwork. It’s not just about being distracted; it’s about being uncomfortable in their own skin.
Time Management and Organisation
Time management is another big challenge for kids with ADHD. Executive function issues mean they might struggle to organise their work, manage their time well, or follow through on tasks without constant reminders. I’ve found that even getting started on a project can feel like climbing a mountain for them—”Can I just ask you a question?” or “Wait, I just need x, y, z” are frequently uttered whenever a new task is about to begin.
Active Tips to Help Your Child
So, how do we make sure our neurodivergent kids get the support they need at home? As a parent who’s been through the ups and downs, I know it can feel overwhelming.
Here are some of the things that have made a big difference for us:
Use Specialised Worksheets
Worksheets designed for children with ADHD or ASD focus on shorter, more engaging tasks that help keep attention focused. We use Twinkl a lot, especially their SEND resources, which have been a game changer for us.
They offer visual-based worksheets that break down complex subjects into digestible pieces. If you’re interested, you can check out their SEND page. For example, using colourful charts for maths or picture-based writing prompts can work wonders.
We also use their more traditional worksheets—like when we tackled wildlife around the world. Fun handwriting activities like this one on Australian animals are great because they combine both geography and writing skills, making learning more engaging!
Incorporate Sensory Toys and Fidgets
Giving my son access to sensory toys during lessons has been a game changer. Fidget spinners, textured stress balls, or weighted lap pads and blankets can help them focus their mind and release energy in a controlled way. This is especially helpful for kids who struggle to sit still.
Cauldwell charity also offers heavily discounted sensory packs for those eligible and have a formal diagnoses for their children for just £22.
Break Lessons into Small Chunks
Short bursts of learning (20-30 minutes at a time) with regular breaks can prevent overstimulation. During breaks, let your child engage in movement—whether it’s jumping, running, or just having a wiggle session. This keeps them from feeling trapped and gives them the physical outlet they need.
Physical Play and Learning with Toys
We’ve also found that incorporating physical toys like Magna-Tiles and LEGO can be a huge help. They keep learning hands-on and fun while giving our kids a creative outlet. Plus, we have a small home gym setup (below) that includes a swing, a climbing rope, and rings hanging from the doorframe.
- UNLOCK BOUNDLESS FUN: The children’s or adult’s doorway gym is a unique indoor playground at home promoting health & fitness through fun games. Ensuring accessibility & reliability in play.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE SET: The indoor doorway jungle gym includes a pullup bar, grip gymnastic rings, a trapeze, a ladder, a knotted rope, and a sensory swing. Redefining fun fitness, the ultimate kids’ workout.
It’s perfect for releasing that extra energy without having to leave the house, and it ties in nicely with home education—it’s learning and play all rolled into one! For more ideas on setting up a child-friendly gym at home, you can check out this post about creating a gym in your living room.
Allow Alternative Ways to Express Ideas
Since writing can be a real struggle for children with dysgraphia, I encourage using speech-to-text software or allowing verbal responses where appropriate. I’ve found that offering a range of mediums—like typing, drawing, or using apps to convey ideas—helps them feel less overwhelmed.
Visual Timers and Structured Routines
For time management issues, visual timers have been invaluable in our household. My son can see how much time he has left to complete a task, and this gives him a sense of control and predictability. A clear daily routine also helps minimise surprises, which can be stressful for children with ASD.
On the flip side, this approach doesn’t always work for my daughter. She struggles with perfectionism, and not completing a task on time or making a mistake can cause her to become really distressed. If you’re dealing with similar challenges, you might find this article on building resilience in neurodiverse children helpful, as it offers insights into managing these high standards.
Simplify Audio Instructions
Breaking down verbal instructions into simple, clear steps—and repeating them as needed—helps reduce frustration for children with auditory processing issues. Using visual aids or written instructions alongside verbal ones also reinforces what’s being said.
When All Else Fails
Sometimes, no matter how many strategies we try, things just get too much—for us and for our kids. When everyone is overstimulated, it’s perfectly okay to take a break and chill out. I’ve found that a snack, a drink, and some solo time doing activities they enjoy can work wonders. Whether it’s building with LEGO, reading a favourite book, or just having some screen time, a little space can help everyone reset until we’re ready to come back and try again.
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling a child with ADHD and ASD can be challenging, but with the right tools, it’s incredibly rewarding. By tailoring lessons to your child’s specific needs—using the right worksheets, sensory aids, and flexible teaching approaches—you can make learning fun and engaging. Every child is different, and sometimes it takes trial and error to find the right rhythm that works for your family.
Helpful Resources
If you’re looking for more official guidance on supporting children with neurodivergence in education, here are some great resources:
- National Autistic Society: Offers support, information, and advice for autistic children and their families.
- NHS ADHD Information: Details on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and support options.
- British Dyslexia Association: Provides guidance on supporting children with dyslexia, which can often co-occur with ADHD and ASD.
Feel free to explore these resources, and don’t hesitate to share any others that have helped you along the way!
