Parents often ask me what apps are available for students and adults with ADHD and/or executive dysfunction. I have researched many sites that recommend different apps. Here is a summary of what I have found and have begun to use with students that are experiencing academic difficulties due to ADHD.
Organizational struggles: Many students with ADHD and executive function disorder have trouble planning and meeting goals and objectives. If you or someone you know struggles with meeting goals, then try
EpicWin. It is a cross between a digital organizer and a role-playing video game. Younger students can use this game-like app and build skills that can be applied to life.
Staying on task: Many students work better with time limits and organized tasks.
Task Timer is an app that helps keep students on task and by showing time elapsed and time remaining. It also includes breaks and has a reminder to stay on task.
Completion of activities: Students and adults with ADHD need motivation to complete routine tasks. Once the tasks are completed, the student feels better and the task becomes automatic. Additionally, students need rewards to extinguish undesirable activities. Using
iRewardChart will allow you to list chores or behavior goals and track your child's progress. This app is a visual representation of the paper charts that were formerly used by students and teachers.
Losing papers, notes, homework and everything: Many students have trouble getting and keeping everything together. One solution is
Evernote. Students using Evernote can store text, photos and audio notes on their Macbook, iPad, iPhone or other devices. The notebook syncs together so you can use any device and have all of the information at your fingertips. Students can scan tests, reviews or other documents and send them to their electronic notebook. They can retrieve information and study anywhere. Evernote also allows students to record class information and listen later. In addition, iPad or iPhones can take a picture of notes on the board and file them in the class notebook. At the premium level, notebooks can be shared among students so that they can edit each other’s notes. It is a great repository for all class information.
These are just a few of the many apps that can help keep students who have ADHD and executive dysfunction more organized. If you have any questions about how to use these, Darlington’s IT department and the staff of the Teaching and Learning Center are happy to help. We encourage students to try Evernote and use it daily to make sure that they are comfortable using it. Digital notebooks can benefit students significantly.
