Organising space for my kids to do their homework

Having a place set for homework is really important to help our autistic and ADHD kids focus.  Some kids and young people need quiet blank rooms and others need the stimulation to focus. As always, go with what works for your kid.


Having what you need to hand

A dedicated study or homework space can be helped by having things organised and available. Keeping homework, text books and equipment in one place will make it much easier to find things. It could be a box of pencil grips or a writing slope for those that need help with writing.  A theraband or wobble cushion for those that fidget or even Encyclopedia Britannica for those who like to look things up on concrete books.

Consider the visual arena

Lighting is essential in any room but when you or your child has autism or ADHD is can have more of an impact.  Our son Anthony needs no distractions, but a main lamp where he is working helps him focus on the space he is and what he should be doing.

In our home we have a lot of neutral colours because it creates a calm environment for sleep, coping and yes, even for doing homework.

Other kids may need the opposite and not be able to focus unless they are visually stimulated. Coloured lighting, bright and textured furnishing may be what they need to stay calm.  Some kids even work better with a TV on in the background.

Background noise or quiet

Anthony will be distracted if he can hear one of the kids playing with an iPad in the other room.  He needs it to be quiet - conversations need to be kept to a minimum by the rest of the family.  It's like he simply can't hear himself think.  I'm exactly the same,

My other half on the other hand finds he's not stimulated to work without noise.  Background radio, music or even the dishwasher going help him work and it could be the same for kids who need the stimulation to focus.

How do you like your study space?