The Answer to a Question that was Posed in my Question Forum: What is the Best/Most Successful Environment for Children with ADHD?

Even though I answered one of my reader's questions in the comments section, I felt that the topic was such an important one, that I would write my answer here, as well.

 Here is my comment:

The best/most successful environment for children with ADHD is one that is structured in terms of being consistent, but not restrictive. Every component of the child with ADHD’s environment should be organized in a structured and constant way, so that the child with ADHD knows what to expect at all times.



For example, his room should be organized with a specific place for each toy or book, which is color coded. You will need to work with him until he knows the relationship of a specific color to the place where it may be found. You can color code the books separately according to their titles. Even if your child is too young to read as of yet, you are bringing literacy into his life in the natural setting of his room.


The importance of organizing his room is so that he will become accountable for his personal items. By becoming responsible, he will feel ownership of his personal items and therefore, build positive self-esteem.


Why use color-coding? Children with ADHD need stimulation. By incorporating a colorful cue as to where the material should be placed when they are finished with it, will help him to remember where it goes. By doing so, he will precisely know where to return the material to its place after accessing it.


The child with ADHD's activities within his environment should be structured and consistent as well. For example, he should do his homework the same time every day. In terms of not being restrictive, this is what I mean: The place where he chooses to do his homework, as well as where he will do his homework, may be varied and determined by him within his activity level. He may choose to do his homework at the kitchen table, walking around or lying down on his stomach.


Children with ADHD work best within their activity level as chosen by them. I would encourage him to do his homework by himself. That being said, you can scaffold or support him by asking him questions about his homework from time to time, which will give you an idea as whether or not he is doing it.


Caveat: I would NOT ask him if he has finished his homework, which might cause him to become angry and noncompliant. I would, however, ask him something about the subject that he is studying. For example, if he is studying certain Constitutional amendments, you might say, “I can never remember what the 14th Amendment says. Could you remind me?”


I would also color code his homework folders, and then teach him which color represents a specific subject. By doing so, the likelihood of him remembering to put each subject’s homework in his schoolbag is higher. He should place the completed subject in the prescribed folder immediately upon finishing it. The more organized the child with ADHD’s environment, the higher likelihood that he will feel comfortable in knowing what to expect in terms of his responsibilities. In that way, he will become more accountable in terms of his personal items.