140: ADHD- The Power of Routine

ADHD children frequently have difficulties completing tasks when told to do so. With their difficulties with working memory and executive functioning they frequently forget steps in tasks like getting ready for bed, getting up in the morning, and getting ready for school. Routines are important in all our lives. Once established, we follow them without having to make a conscious effort. A routine practiced consistently becomes a habit which doesn’t require thought or planning. The trick is it takes a little longer for and ADHDer to develop a habit so we have to add another procedure I call “externalizing the executive. “ For example for getting ready for bed have a checklist that is in a strategic location where it can be easily seen. The ADHDer has to mark the checklist list as every step is completed. This can be done in a variety of ways such using a grease pencil to mark the checklist that is in a document protector or you can buy the fun checklist from Easy Daysies that has magnets you move when the task is completed. Eventually the routines become habits and become ingrained so your child doesn’t have to think about or remember the routine. It’s automatic.