If your child has ADHD, or is just easily distracted, these are the things in my ADHD toolbox. You’ve probably been told to use timers, visual schedules and gamification. Here’s how to actually use them, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Over half my kids have ADHD, and so do I, so this one is personal. This is part of my special needs homeschooling hub.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources I’ve personally used and trust.
I’m a homeschool mom sharing what has worked for our family, not a doctor, therapist or lawyer. Please talk with your child’s doctors and specialists about medical, therapy and diagnosis decisions.
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My ADHD Toolbox
⏲️ A Visual Timer
So your child can see how much time is left, not just hear it.
EooCoo 3-in-1 timer (aff link)
🪑 Chair Bands And Wiggle Seats
Let them move while they work, so their body isn’t fighting their brain.
Chair bands · Wiggle seats (aff links)
✋ Fidgets
My favorite fidgets for busy hands during lessons and read-alouds.
See my fidget list (aff link)
🏃 Movement Breaks
Indoor P.E. ideas for working out the wiggles between short lessons.
🧠 Help Learning Stick
My tools for forgetful learners, sorted for visual, auditory and hands-on learners.
Here’s how we use visual timers and how to reduce distractions in your school day.
Printables From My Shop
Printables I made to give my kids structure, short goals and active ways to review.
Homeschool Visual Schedule Set (2 Color Options)
Morning, evening, and school routine visual schedules, including simplified versions for younger or special learners.
Homeschool Break & Calm-Down Pack (Special Needs Friendly)
Calm-down cards and break-time tools that bring structure to breaks, especially for kids with special needs.
My Learning Goal Sheets
Goal sheets for Bible memory, learning, and reading that help kids of all ages set and track their goals.
Mighty Review Card Bundle
Save $4 compared with buying the three decks separately.
Steps Towards Independence In Your Homeschool
Guidance and age-appropriate task lists that help you build your child’s independence, from toddlers to teens.
Deep Breathing Exercises Pack for Kids
Colorful, easy-to-follow breathing exercises that help kids, including those with special needs, calm down in moments of stress.
Your Questions
How long should the school day be for a child with ADHD?
It depends on your state’s law and on your child. Over half my kids have ADHD, and so do I, and it looks different for each of them. Some have a mild case, some more severe, and for some ADHD is one of several diagnoses.
In general, the school day should be however long it takes to get the school day done. For a child with ADHD that usually means shorter lessons. That might mean shorter days, or longer days, because you need more meaningful, intentional breaks and movement between those short lessons.
The answer is almost never longer lessons. Short, consistent lessons win, even if the breaks make the day feel longer.
For Homeschool Moms With ADHD
I have ADHD too. If homeschooling your kids feels extra hard because your own brain is busy, these are for you.
Go Deeper Inside Made2Homeschool
My Highly Distracted Homeschool Student and Helping Your Forgetful Learner workshops are inside the Made2Homeschool community.
There’s a free plan, so you can look around before you commit.
More Special Needs Help
- All Special Needs HelpWhere I’d start, the questions moms ask me most, everyday tools and curriculum.
- AutismThe questions moms are afraid to ask, the early years, tools that help and adapting high school.
- Dyslexia & Struggling ReadersReading curriculum, everyday tools, when to start adapting, note-taking and testing.
- Medically Complex Kids & DelaysAdapting curriculum, therapy at home, hard medical seasons and encouragement for you.