Finding a good tutor is hard. Finding a good ADHD tutor is harder. A well-intentioned but ADHD-uninformed tutor can feel like a replay of every frustrating classroom experience your child has already had.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an ADHD Tutor
“How do you adapt when a child is refusing to start work or is dysregulated?” Look for: de-escalation strategies, flexibility, understanding that resistance is often neurological rather than behavioral.
“How do you incorporate executive functioning support?” Look for: concrete examples — checklists, planning tools, break schedules, self-monitoring strategies.
“What do you do when a child’s attention drifts during a session?” Look for: proactive engagement strategies, not just redirecting or repeating.
“How do you structure a typical session for a child with ADHD?” Look for: predictable routine, short work blocks, breaks, and a clear closing ritual.
“How do you handle it when the child knows material but can’t produce it under pressure?” Look for: understanding of test-taking anxiety and retrieval challenges specific to ADHD.
“How do you communicate with parents after sessions?” Look for: regular updates on progress, specific observations, and suggestions for home follow-through.
“Have you worked with ADHD alongside dyslexia, anxiety, or giftedness?” Look for: comfort with complexity, not one-size-fits-all thinking.
“How do you measure progress beyond grades?” Look for: attention to skill development, strategy use, independence, and confidence.
“What’s your cancellation and consistency policy?” Kids with ADHD need consistency. Frequent cancellations undermine the routine that makes sessions effective.
“Can you describe a student with ADHD whose progress you’re particularly proud of?” Look for: specificity, warmth, and a genuine understanding of what “progress” means for ADHD kids.
Red Flags: When to Keep Looking
Red Flags to Watch For
- “ADHD just means they need more patience and repetition.” — Reveals shallow understanding.
- “I’ve worked with all kinds of kids — ADHD isn’t different.” — It is different.
- “My approach is pretty strict — kids need structure and accountability.” — Strict consequences are often counterproductive with ADHD.
- No specific ADHD strategies when asked — if a tutor can’t articulate what they do differently, they probably don’t do much differently.
- Talking about the child in deficit terms exclusively — strength-based approach is essential.
- Discomfort with parental involvement — effective ADHD tutoring involves the family.
What a Good Trial Period Looks Like
After finding a promising candidate, request a trial session. During and after, observe:
- Did your child come out more confident or more defeated?
- Was your child willing to go back?
- Did the tutor give you specific, actionable feedback?
- Did your child report what happened without prompting? (Engagement leaves traces.)
“Finding the right ADHD tutor isn’t just about plugging a content gap. The right match can restore a child’s belief in their own ability to learn.”
Relevant degrees in special education or educational psychology; training through CHADD or similar organizations; 2+ years working specifically with ADHD students; experience with co-occurring conditions like dyslexia and anxiety.
We match every child with the right ADHD tutor
Based on their specific profile, learning style, and goals — not just availability.
