Support for ADHD students returning to education after summer

For parents of children with ADHD, the return to school brings a mixture of relief and anxiety. Children may struggle to re-establish routines, regulate emotions, or settle back into learning environments, especially if the summer break has been relaxed and unstructured.

Here’s how parents can help:

1. Start the school routine early: Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times at least a week before term starts. Gradually bringing structure back into their day will help reduce that first-week shock.
2. Reintroduce learning in small ways: Incorporate short, low-pressure learning activities at home. Reading a book together, playing educational games or writing a diary entry each day can help spark a sense of curiosity and focus.
3. Prepare emotionally as well as practically: Talk through what your child is looking forward to and what might feel difficult. Reassure them that it's normal to feel anxious after a long break. Using visual planners or stories can help younger children with ADHD understand what to expect.
4. Connect with the school early: Let your child’s teacher or SENCO know how the summer has gone, especially if routines or medication have changed. Open communication can support consistency between home and school.

For more practical tips, read our blog – 7 ways to support children with ADHD return to school or our free EBook Helping Children with ADHD to Thrive is full of information about child ADHD and has some valuable tips for parents and carers.

College life often offers more independence than school, but that can also mean less structure, which can be difficult for students with ADHD. The return after summer can be difficult to manage.

What can help:

1. Review your timetable in advance: Knowing your course schedule and building a weekly routine can help reintroduce structure. Use planners, apps or visual timetables to map out your week, including time for breaks and study.
2. Set up a study-friendly environment: Before college starts, create or refresh a quiet workspace at home. Remove distractions, use noise-cancelling headphones or music, and keep essential materials organised.
3. Reconnect with support services: If your college has a learning support department or ADHD coach, contact them before term starts. They can help with exam accommodations, note-taking support or time management skills.
4. Ease in gently: It’s okay to feel rusty. Use the first couple of weeks to rebuild focus gradually. Consider using ADHD-friendly study methods that emphasise short bursts of work and regular breaks.

For further reading, you may find our article on ADHD tips for students useful or you may also enjoy reading our blog on 10 must-have apps to support students with ADHD in their education.

University comes with its own challenges, from self-directed study and deadlines to social pressures and navigating student life. If you’re returning to university after the summer or preparing to start your first year, you might be feeling anxious.

Here’s how to get back on track:

1. Rebuild structure one step at a time: After weeks of downtime, jumping straight into lectures, reading lists, and projects can feel impossible. Start small by establishing morning and evening routines, preparing your study space, and easing into work with low-stakes tasks like organising your diary or checking your university portal.
2. Get the right academic support: If you haven’t already, apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which can help fund assistive technology, mentoring and study support for students with ADHD. Your university’s support services team should also help you access reasonable adjustments like extended deadlines or exam accommodations.
3. Don’t wait to ask for help: ADHD can make the start of term feel chaotic, but support is available. Academic mentors, ADHD coaches, and your personal tutor can help break tasks down and keep you accountable.
4. Join us this September: If you're heading to or returning to university and want to start the year feeling more prepared, don’t miss our free online event:

📅 Navigating Neurodiversity at University – Tools for Academic Success
🗓 Monday 22nd September, 2025 (12pm - 1pm)

Led by expert ADHD coach Anne Betteridge and leading ADHD consultant psychiatrists Dr. Kripalani and Dr Mirza, this practical session is open to all neurodivergent students preparing for or currently studying at university. You’ll gain expert strategies to help manage time, boost motivation, and get the most from your academic life.

All attendees will receive a free content pack filled with blogs, eBooks and ADHD-friendly resources to support you through the term.

📍 Book your place HERE – everyone is welcome.