For any high school student, writing assignments can feel intimidating. Writing is tough work that often requires multiple complex steps—it is a demand on the executive functions as well as a test of a student’s research skills, content knowledge, and/or use of language. And for neurodivergent students, those with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), writing can feel even more challenging.
The tips below can benefit all students but are particularly helpful for neurodivergent students who are struggling to engage with writing.
1. Break It Down Into Small, Manageable Tasks
Writing a paper or essay can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a blank page. One of the best ways to make writing less intimidating is to break the assignment into smaller steps:
- Start by brainstorming ideas without worrying about making them perfect. Try talking through your ideas with a friend or parent before getting started.
- Create a simple outline that organizes your thoughts.
- Write in small sections, like focusing on just one paragraph at a time.
This approach makes the writing process feel more manageable and helps you stay focused on one thing at a time.
Tip: Try using a checklist or breaking the assignment down on a calendar, so you know exactly what you’ll tackle each day.
2. Create a Focused, Distraction-Free Zone
Distractions can make it hard to concentrate on writing. Finding or creating a space where you can focus is key:
- Choose a quiet spot in your house or at school, like the library, to minimize distractions.
- Consider focus apps that can help keep you on track by limiting distractions on your phone or computer.
- Set a specific time each day to write, so you get into a routine where your brain knows it’s time to focus.
For some students, background music (like classical or lo-fi) can help with concentration, while others prefer complete silence. Experiment to see what works best for you!
3. Give Yourself Extra Time to Edit
Neurodivergent students may need extra time to revise and polish their work, so plan ahead to give yourself a buffer. Here are some ways to make editing easier:
- Use Grammarly or another grammar-checking tool to help catch simple errors.
- Read your work out loud or use text-to-speech software to help you notice mistakes you might overlook while reading silently.
- Ask a friend, teacher, or tutor to review your work and give feedback before you submit it.
Editing is one of the most important parts of the writing process, so students should give themselves enough time to carefully review, get feedback on, and revise their work.
If your student struggles with multi-step assignments like writing an essay, Academic Coaching could be a great resource. Learn more here!
