Whether you are an adult dealing with ADHD in a high-pressure corporate work environment, or a teenager dealing with it at school, ADHD is a broad topic with many different types to uncover and address. 

The good news is that working with your ADHD is entirely possible–in fact, it can become your superpower! Whether it is to benefit yourself in the workplace, or your child at school, first begin by better understanding what you are dealing with and the best coping mechanisms.

With so many different facets and ranges of ADHD, BLOOM’s online courses can support you on your journey to making your ADHD symptoms an asset in your life–discover courses on Impulsivity, Emotional Control and Regulation, and Sensory Processing.

Types of ADHD in the Workplace

There are two main streams of ADHD we will cover here.

First, there are those individuals who are more introverted, inwardly focused, and distractible by their own thoughts. They often prefer routine and predictability.

Then, others are passionate and excitable, constantly needing contact and action. They hate predictability and need change, new things, and surprises. 

For the first type, working in a quiet place can be helpful since a busy work environment may be too distracting and overwhelming for them. Sometimes working from home could provide that quiet workspace, or if one comes from a busy home, that may be detrimental to their focus. Maybe working in a quiet office cubicle would be better for them, providing them a quiet workspace. 

On the other hand, the second type of person who is passionate and craves excitement contact would love to be in a  workplace environment rather than home because it's busier with more action and people around.

The Importance of Communication with ADHD

If you have a way to deal with your ADHD, then it's a good idea to let your boss or your child’s teacher know about your’s or your child’s personality. You do not need to use the word ADHD if you prefer not to. One can just say that you have a personality that works best with certain conditions; this way, your boss or teacher will know how to use you most productively. 

For example, one might tell their boss they prefer to work independently or in a small group. They need routine and can get lost in the details of a job, so a timeline for when tasks must be completed would be helpful for them. 

A student or student’s parent might explain that their child works best at his or her desk with limited distractions from other students.

Whereas someone who needs action and excitement, gets agitated and passionate, may request to work with a large group of people, have a couple of tasks to juggle at once, and people to delegate the nitty gritty details too since details are not his forte. 

When you live with ADHD, having pointed tips to focus on can be helpful as you look to control the controllable in your environment in order to thrive at work.

5 Tips to Deal with ADHD at Work or School

1. Create clear habits. With the unexpectedness that may come in particular workplaces, establish routines for yourself each day where possible and stick closely to them. For a child going to school, have a predictable morning routine and be sure to arrive early or on time to work.
2. Write down your tasks each day. Yes, use a good old pen and paper! 
3. Define your space. When possible, create a space bubble to keep your workplace or school workspace free of clutter and distractions. While this may not be possible in every workplace or classroom, even putting in headphones and listening to calming music to focus yourself can help. For some this may even be rock n roll music!
4. Active communication. As noted above, proactive communication with your boss and coworkers (when necessary), or your child’s teacher, is helpful so that you can be tasked with items that you will succeed best at.
5. Offer a reward. Whether it’s a treat or a short 5-minute break outside, set goals within your work day or your child’s school day, and when achieved, treat yourself or your child. It can be something simple like a snack or a short walk to clear your head.

Online Resources for ADHD–Succeed in Your Workplace or Classroom 

There is no reason that an ADHD diagnosis should hold you or your child back. Consider it something you have to work around, but it can also be an asset in your life in many ways! 

Following the tips above to succeed in the workplace or classroom will help you or your child have the best chance at making ADHD a benefit rather than a hindrance.

For online resources and support for ADHD, BLOOM is here to meet you at your most greatest point of need. Our resources can support adults in the workplace and children in school equally–discover courses on Impulsivity, Emotional Control and Regulation, and Sensory Processing.