You might have noticed the word “individual” in the title of this post. That’s intentional—because no two people are the same. Not everyone learns the same way. Not everyone studies the same way. And that’s true whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical.
So, why talk about this? Well, both of my children are now at the stage in school where exams are becoming a regular part of life—whether end-of-year assessments, subject-specific tests, or final exams. And like many parents, I’ve had to navigate the challenge of helping them develop effective study habits that work for them.
Here’s what I’ve learned.
Same Family, Different Study Styles
Firstly, my two children are very different—and age is certainly a factor.
Secondly, their approaches to studying are different.
Thirdly, one of them will get on with it, while the other? Let’s just say, if I didn’t step in, not much would happen.
What struck me, though, is that many of the study techniques I used back when I was in school (which feels like a lifetime ago!) are still just as relevant. The real key is finding which technique works best for the individual.
So Many Study Methods—Where Do You Start?
If you search online, you’ll find countless study techniques—some you might already know, others you’ve probably used without knowing their names:
- Spaced Repetition
- Active Recall
- Pomodoro Technique
- The Feynman Technique
- Leitner System
- PQ4R Method
- SQ3R Method
- Retrieval Practice
- Colour-Coded Notes
- Mind Mapping
…and many more.
For me, Spaced Practice (breaking study into manageable chunks over time), colour-coded notes, and Mind Mappingworked well—especially being dyslexic. I even tried getting my eldest to try mind mapping at first. She refused. Fast forward to now? It’s her go-to method.
Helping Neurodiverse Kids Find Their Study Flow
As a parent, you want to help your child succeed. But studying is ultimately something they need to take ownership of. You can’t do it for them. What you can do is guide them in discovering what works.
Here are a few practical strategies:
- Introduce methods one at a time – Don’t overwhelm them. (Meltdowns are very real.)
- Get creative with who introduces the method – An older sibling or a trusted family member might have more influence than you.
- Consider outside help – A tutor focused on study techniques could provide short-term, targeted support.
Pro tip: Just because something worked for you doesn’t mean it’ll work the same way for them. Adaptability is essential.
Explaining Why Studying Matters
You’ll inevitably hear the question: “Why do I have to study?”
Have your answer ready—because kids see right through half-hearted explanations.
Frame it around goals:
- Immediate goal: “You’ll move up to the next year.”
- Mid-term goal: “You’ll get through school quicker.”
- Long-term goal: “You’ll have more freedom to choose what you do next.”
With younger children, stick to short-term goals. Long-term thinking can feel too abstract.
Create the Right Study Environment
Having a dedicated study space makes a difference. But let them have input in setting it up.
Questions to consider:
- Is the lighting suitable?
- Is the chair comfortable?
- Is it quiet enough?
- Would background music help?
- Where in the room or house feels best for them?
Let them set up the space. This gives them ownership—and a sense of control.
Building a Realistic Study Schedule
Structure helps. Sit with your child and set specific days and times for study. Without a plan, “I’ll do it later” becomes “I never did it.”
You don’t need marathon sessions:
- For younger kids: Start with 15–20 minute blocks and build gradually.
- Older students can manage 1–2 hour sessions, but it still needs to be broken into manageable chunks.
Flexibility is key—some days will go better than others.
Let Them Study at Their Own Pace
Ask your child:
- “Do you process information quickly?”
- “Do you need extra time to let it sink in?”
Trial and error is part of the journey. Encourage experimentation. The goal is to find what sticks.
Balance Study with Breaks and Downtime
Studying while stressed is rarely productive. Neither is pushing through exhaustion. Encourage breaks that help your child recharge.
Ideas for breaks:
- Run around the garden
- Jump up and down
- Listen to 10 minutes of favourite music
- Flap your arms like a bird (yes, really—movement helps regulate stress)
Just remember: if a 10-minute break happens mid-session, add 10 minutes to the end. You’re balancing study andrecovery.
And don’t forget the importance of sleep—especially for teens. Aim for at least 8 hours a night.
Minimising Distractions
Interruptions ruin focus—whether it’s phones, siblings, or even well-meaning parents checking in.
Discuss with your child how to manage distractions:
- Power off or silence devices
- Use background music to drown out other noise
- Create a “do not disturb” zone during study hours
Final Thoughts
Helping a neurodiverse child build study habits isn’t about forcing one way of learning. It’s about listening, experimenting, and supporting them to develop a style that suits their needs and pace.
Your role as a parent is to guide—not control—the process. When children feel seen and heard, they’re far more likely to take ownership of their own success.