Exams can be a stressful time for both children and parents. The pressure to perform well, manage revision schedules, and handle anxiety can feel overwhelming. For neurodivergent children—such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences—exams can present additional challenges.
Teladoc Health GP, Dr Nina Owen shares her advice on how you can help your child…
- Ground work for optimising revision
Neurodivergent children who enter exam season can find the sudden change to their routines and daily structures unsettling and with that can come a sense of loss of control. Preparation and planning can go a long way to mitigating for this, taking back that sense of control and ensuring revision sessions are calm and effective.
- Consider the study area – generally, a quiet, well-lit environment is best, but some children may focus better with background music; experiment with different environments to see which works best for your child.
- Consider any sensory needs – e.g, noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, movement breaks, or wobble cushions.
- Keep all study materials—books, notes, files, and stationery organised.
- Before starting revision, encourage your child to prepare a plan and structure for their revision schedule, ensuring that there are plenty of breaks in place and that hobbies and interests are factored in, too.
- Help with Revision Techniques
The key to effective revision and study is to consider using a mixture of different learning strategies – not only can this help consolidate understanding and recall, but in some cases, it may even make the sessions fun!
- ADHD: Try short, focused study sessions (e.g., 25-minute “Pomodoro” technique), use visual timers, and integrate movement breaks.
- Autistic Children: Stick to structured revision plans with clear expectations and visual timetables. Reduce ambiguity by breaking down topics into clear learning points and objectives.
- Dyslexic Children: Use audiobooks, speech-to-text tools, and color-coded notes.
- Consider the use of mind maps – these can be great for visually consolidating concepts. Flash cards are helpful for the repetition of key facts. Good old-fashioned pen and paper can be used for these, or there is a range of apps out there.
- Mix it up with media resources such as BBC Bitesize and good-quality podcasts.
- Gamifying the learning with quizzes can make the revision more interesting and check understanding.
- Manage Exam Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety can negatively impact performance, so it’s essential to help your child manage stress.
- Encourage deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or short walks.
- Breaks and downtime to socialise and enjoy hobbies and interests are essential.
- Prepare for unexpected changes—help them understand what will happen on exam day to reduce uncertainty.
- Practice relaxation techniques suited to their needs (e.g., weighted blankets, chewing gum, or stretching).
- Offer reassurance about effort over perfection—neurodivergent children may struggle with self-esteem and need extra encouragement.
- Normalise making mistakes—exams don’t define a child’s worth.
- Ensure Healthy Habits
- Ensure they get enough (good quality) sleep – taking time to wind down before bed.
- Provide brain-boosting foods like protein, whole grains, and Omega-3s; avoiding sugary snacks which can cause an energy dip later on.
- Encourage physical activity to relieve stress and boost focus.
- Stick to consistent routines to avoid sleep disturbances, especially around bedtime and waking time.
- Use gentle reminders for hydration and nutrition, as some children may hyperfocus and forget to eat or drink; the use of timers can be helpful for this. Water bottles with volume markers on the side can be a motivator to drink, while water bottles with infusers can be great if your child isn’t keen on drinking plain water.
- Communicate with Teachers and Schools
If your child needs additional support, communicate with their teachers or the school special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
- Ask about revision resources and support sessions.
- Understand the exam format so you can help your child prepare effectively; past papers can be helpful for this.
- Stay informed about school policies on extra time or accommodations (e.g., quiet exam rooms, assistive technology) and request these in plenty of time; ensure any supporting documentation or evidence is available and supplied.
- Check if mock exams are taken in the actual exam setting; this will allow familiarisation with the environment beforehand and can remove an unsettling element of uncertainty.
Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to provide encouragement, patience, and flexibility in supporting their exam journey. For neurodivergent children, understanding their unique challenges and strengths can help tailor support that reduces stress and builds confidence.
Above all, remind your child that exams are just one part of their learning journey—and that their wellbeing matters more than their results.
