ADHD & Reading: 10 Tips for Reading and Studying in University & College

Summary

In this video, PhD student Sarah shares 10 practical tips for improving reading comprehension and focus, particularly for those with ADHD. She discusses strategies like eliminating distractions, understanding personal energy rhythms, active reading, and prioritizing tasks. Sarah also covers the use of color coding, audio elements, and electronic tools to enhance the reading experience and make it more manageable.

Takeaways

• 😌 Eliminate distractions by creating a conducive reading environment and managing noise levels.
• 📱 Manage phone distractions by turning off notifications or using grayscale mode to reduce the allure of social media.
• 🤔 Learn your body's natural rhythm to identify the most productive times of the day for focused reading.
• 🖊️ Engage in active reading by annotating, highlighting, and using symbols to mark important passages.
• 🚶‍♂️ Consider embodied reading strategies like reading out loud or moving while reading to improve retention.
• 🎧 Experiment with audio elements like audiobooks or text-to-speech apps to cater to auditory learning preferences.
• 🌈 Use color coding to organize and categorize information thematically, aiding in memory and retrieval.
• 💻 Utilize electronic tricks like adjusting font size or converting text to bullet points for easier reading.
• 📝 Be mindful about note-taking, summarizing key points in your own words after completing a section.
• ⏱️ Implement a time tracking and reward system, like the Pomodoro Technique, to manage focus and motivation.
• 🔝 Prioritize readings by focusing on those most relevant to your research interests or course requirements.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Sarah's video?

The main topic of Sarah's video is providing tips for people with ADHD to improve their reading skills, particularly for those who struggle with paying attention and retaining information from reading materials.

Why might reading be difficult for individuals with ADHD?

Reading can be difficult for individuals with ADHD because their minds can easily wander, they may get lost on the page without taking in information, and they often face various distractions that hinder their focus on the text.

What is the first tip Sarah suggests for improving reading focus?

The first tip Sarah suggests is to eliminate distractions by creating an environment conducive to reading, which includes getting comfortable, minimizing noise, and managing phone usage.

How can one's environment affect their reading productivity?

One's environment can significantly affect reading productivity by either providing a quiet space that allows for concentration or offering a certain level of noise that helps some individuals focus better.

What does Sarah recommend regarding phone usage while reading?

Sarah recommends turning off the phone, using airplane mode, or turning social media notifications off to minimize distractions. She also suggests using grayscale mode to make the phone less enticing.

What is active reading and why is it beneficial according to Sarah?

Active reading involves engaging with the text by highlighting, underlining, and making notes in the margins. It is beneficial as it helps retain information better and can aid in recalling what has been read.

How can understanding one's body's natural rhythm help with reading?

Understanding one's body's natural rhythm can help with reading by allowing individuals to identify their most productive times of the day and schedule their reading during those periods.

What is embodied reading and how can it assist with retaining information?

Embodied reading involves using the body, such as following along with a finger or reading out loud, to connect the mind and body during the reading process, which can help with retaining information.

How can audio elements enhance the reading experience for some individuals?

Audio elements like listening to audiobooks or using text-to-speech apps can enhance the reading experience for auditory learners by providing an alternative way to consume the material.

What role does color play in Sarah's reading strategy?

Color plays a significant role in Sarah's reading strategy as she uses color coding to organize her thoughts and remember themes better while reading.

Why is it important to be mindful about note-taking while reading?

Being mindful about note-taking is important because it helps to avoid interrupting the reading flow and ensures that notes are concise, in one's own words, and capture the essential information.

How can a time tracking and reward system benefit someone with ADHD while reading?

A time tracking and reward system can benefit someone with ADHD by providing structured work intervals with breaks, which can improve focus and time management. Rewards can serve as motivation to maintain productivity.

What does Sarah suggest for prioritizing readings, especially in grad school?

Sarah suggests prioritizing readings by focusing on those that are most interesting, relevant to one's research, or necessary for assignments. She also recommends skimming or neglecting less important readings.