Because learning with ADHD isn’t about fitting into the mold, It’s about finding creative strategies that work for YOUR unique brain..
Reading can feel like a mountain to climb when you have ADHD. The wandering thoughts, the re-reading of the same paragraph 5 times, and the struggle to stay engaged can turn a simple book into a daunting task. But here’s the good news: ADHD brains are wired for creativity and resourcefulness, so let’s use that to our advantage!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conquer any book:
Pick the Right Format
Your ADHD brain craves variety! Don’t limit yourself to physical books if they feel overwhelming. Try audiobooks or eBooks with text-to-speech features. Audiobooks, especially, are great because you can listen while doing something like doodling, pacing, or even folding laundry.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Audible or Libby, and try speeding up or slowing down the narration to match your focus pace.
Chunk It Down
Big books? Intimidating. Break them into smaller, digestible parts. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish this book,” say, “I’ll read 2 pages” or “I’ll listen to 5 minutes.”
Try This: Use sticky tabs to divide the book into sections. Reward yourself after completing each one, like a short walk or just pretend you’re heading to the mall or a cup of tea.
Engage Multiple Senses
ADHD brains thrive on stimulation. Pair reading with something sensory to keep your mind engaged. For instance:
- Highlight key phrases with a colorful pen.
- Take notes in a separate notebook.
- Read aloud or whisper the words to yourself.
Bonus Tip: If you’re homeschooling or reading to kids, turn it into a fun activity—act out parts, use silly voices, or draw what you’re reading about.
Summarize as You Go
ADHD makes it easy to forget what you just read. Create a habit of pausing and summarizing after a page or a chapter. Jot down key points or voice-record your thoughts on your phone.
For Busy Brains: Keep a simple “What I Learned Today” notebook to revisit later.
Use a Reading Tracker
Make reading a visual accomplishment. A tracker can be as simple as ticking off chapters in your planner or creating a colorful chart. Seeing progress fuels motivation!
My Tip: I’ve found that tracking books visually not only keeps me on track but also boosts my sense of achievement: perfect for ADHD brains that thrive on small wins!
Give Yourself Grace
Some days, reading won’t happen, and that’s okay. ADHD isn’t about forcing productivity but understanding your brain and working with it.
If you lose focus, step away and come back later. Or, try listening to a summary of the book before diving back in. Tools like Blinkist or YouTube summaries can help bridge the gap.
Choose Books That Spark Joy
If the book feels like a chore, it’ll be harder to stick with. Choose books that align with your current interests, curiosity, or even your ADHD hyperfocus zone.
For Homeschool Moms: Find books that also engage your kids: you’ll feel more motivated when learning becomes a shared experience.
Experiment & Adapt
Every ADHD brain is unique. Try different strategies and tweak them as needed. Some days, audiobooks might be your best friend; other days, you may crave the tactile feel of a paperback.
What Works for Me: When I feel stuck, I switch gears, by using audiobooks while walking or revisiting summaries helps me stay in the loop without feeling frustrated.
Avoid Reels and TikToks
Avoid short-form content like reels, TikToks, or overly brief summaries unless absolutely necessary. These are designed to shorten attention spans, and for ADHDers, they can make it even harder to focus on lengthier reads, in-depth videos, or thicker books. Instead, train your brain to engage with more substantial material by taking small, intentional steps toward deeper focus.
I stay away from reels and TikToks entirely, as I find they hinder my ability to stick with meaningful content. Instead, I turn to audiobooks or take notes while reading to help maintain my focus and comprehension. For more on how short-form videos impact ADHD brains, you can read my post: How Short-Form Videos Impact ADHD Brains: The Science Behind Reels and TikToks.
Reading with ADHD isn’t about doing it “the right way.” It’s about creating a process that suits your busy brain. Experiment, celebrate small wins, and remember: the goal isn’t perfection: it’s progress.
Your turn! What’s one trick that helps you stick with reading? Share your ideas in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
Busy brainy mamas, check out my sample guide on: How to Read Homeschooling Books! It’s an ADHD-friendly plan to help you manage the overwhelm and turn books into actionable ideas.
