Strategies for Neurodivergent Students

This document, titled “4 Ways to Avoid Procrastination,” provides neuro-inclusive strategies to help manage overwhelming assignments and maintain focus.

1. Deconstructing the Assignment Prompt

• Combat Analysis Paralysis: Vague assignments can be overwhelming. Turn your grading rubric into an explicit, sequential checklist.
• Break Down Tasks: Instead of “Do research,” use specific goals like “Find 3 academic sources” or “Summarize Source 1 in 5 bullet points”.
• Preliminary Planning: Spend 30 minutes creating a detailed Outline without the pressure of writing.
• Use Temporary Titles: Start with a working title and sub-headings to trick your brain into feeling the task is already underway.

2. Strategic Initiation

• The Brain Dump: Type everything you know for 10 minutes without self-editing to generate low-pressure content.
• Search Term Strategy: If research feels daunting, make your first task simply generating 5 relevant search terms to build natural momentum.

3. Structuring Time and Focus

• The Hyperfocus Channel: Listen to a specific, non-lyrical playlist (like Brian Eno or brown noise) only while working to create a focus anchor.
• Body Doubling: Work in the presence of others—whether in a library or via “study with me” videos—to provide external regulation.
• Visual Time Tracking: Use a physical timer to see time deplete, making an abstract concept visible.

4. Preventing Burnout

Dictation: Use text-to-speech tools if typing feels too slow or uncomfortable

Mini-Sensory Breaks: Incorporate breaks based on your needs, such as star jumps for movement, looking at distant objects for visual rest, or using fidget toys like Playdough.

Anti-Perfectionism: Write “The goal of this session is completion, not perfection” at the top of your document to manage fear of failure.