Challenges of ADHD during Zoom meetings, coping strategies, and additional insights
For those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), virtual meetings can be more tiring and overstimulating than their in-person equivalents. However, there are strategies that can help make Zoom meetings more manageable.
Strategies for Children with ADHD
Children with ADHD may find learning over video calls particularly challenging. To make the learning process easier, it's recommended to maintain a structure, reduce stress, and keep the learning space free of clutter. Turning off notifications, chunking the day into sections, incorporating breaks, and monitoring behavior for updates to their treatment plan can also be beneficial.
Strategies for Adults with ADHD
Adults with ADHD may find work and social video calls especially difficult. To manage these challenges, adults can prepare by making lists and using calendars, following a consistent routine and environment setup, implementing focus techniques, taking mindful breaks and practicing emotional regulation, using digital tools wisely, building a support network, and discussing treatment options with a doctor or mental health professional.
Some additional strategies for adults include sitting on a yoga ball or wiggle seat, adding movement to the work area, keeping a fidget cube close by, putting the meeting on a television or large monitor and walking around the room, scheduling breaks, and discussing treatment options with a doctor or mental health professional.
Common Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
An increase in video calling may lead to heightened attention and stress, pressure to respond, pressure to work at a higher efficiency, pressure to self-regulate, and eventually result in a person developing a sense of restlessness, anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion.
To counteract these challenges, it's important to remember to take breaks, practice self-care techniques like mindfulness, and seek support from trusted colleagues or supervisors. Informing them about ADHD needs can lead to accommodations such as meeting transcripts or shorter meetings that make participation easier.
Resources for Support
For people with ADHD struggling with mental or physical health due to video calls, resources include CHADD affiliates, ADDA, ADDitude, NAMI, and contacting a doctor or mental health professional for support.
By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed, people with ADHD can successfully navigate the challenges of virtual meetings and maintain their mental and physical well-being.
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- In the workplace, adults with ADHD may benefit from using a yoga ball instead of a traditional chair during meetings to help manage their restlessness.
- Science has shown that keeping a clutter-free learning space can improve focus and reduce distractions for children with ADHD, making virtual meetings and distance learning more manageable.
- During mental health and wellness discussions, resources like CHADD affiliates, ADDitude, and NAMI can provide support and coping mechanisms for adults with ADHD who are struggling with challenges caused by increased video call use.
