ADHD and routines: make the order visible

If you keep hearing yourself say "how many times do I have to tell you," it may be time to show the order instead of saying it.

4 min read

Spoken instructions fade fast

When your child hears several things at once, like "wash up, get dressed and pack your bag," often only the first one sticks, or something else catches their eye halfway through.

When tasks are in front of their eyes instead of in their head, your child doesn't have to rely on memory. A visual schedule does that job.

How to make one

One card at a time. Show only the task for right now, and show it big
Keep it short. 3 to 5 cards per routine. If it's longer, split it in two
Show the end. Seeing how many cards are left makes it easier to keep going
Check it off right away. Check the card and get praise the moment it's done
Keep the reward close. Right when the routine ends, not a week later

Use it for homework and tidying up too

Breaking "do your homework" into "sit at your desk → open your planner → do one page of math → put it in your bag" makes it easier to start. The hardest part is usually the first step. Make the first card very easy.

In ELUM

On your child's screen, cards appear one at a time in a large size, with a voice that reads them aloud, a check mark and stars. You set the routines and rewards, and you can see how much has been done.

Action card example: starting homework

1Sit at your deskPull in your chair and sit
2Open your plannerCheck today's homework
3Do one pageJust one page of math
4Put it in your bagReady to take tomorrow

All done: 10 minutes of blocks

Frequently asked questions

My child does something else instead of moving to the next card.

Try using fewer cards and making the first card easier. It also helps to keep the device in a spot with fewer distractions.

My child seems bored with the routine and doesn't want to do it.

Try changing the reward. What your child likes may have changed. Changing the card order or pictures a little can also make it feel new.

This article is a guide for everyday routines. ELUM does not replace diagnosis or treatment.