Focus techniques for better concentration

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in High School

If your high schooler is neurodivergent, you may notice their attention drifts during homework or class discussions. Many parents worry when their child struggles to stay engaged, especially as academic expectations increase. Neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD, autism, or other learning differences, often experience unique challenges with focus and concentration. These challenges are not signs of laziness or lack of motivation; they arise from differences in the way the brain processes information. Your support, understanding, and encouragement in using focus techniques for better concentration can make a meaningful difference. When parents approach these needs with patience and empathy, students feel more confident and capable as they work toward their goals.

Definitions

Focus Techniques: Practical strategies or tools that help a student direct their attention toward a specific task or goal, minimizing distractions.

Concentration: The ability to maintain mental effort on one activity or thought for a sustained period, even when distractions are present.

Understanding Focus and Attention Challenges in High School

Many teachers and parents report that high school is a time when focus challenges become more noticeable. Teens are expected to juggle more responsibilities—homework, extracurriculars, social life, and planning for college or careers. For neurodivergent learners, maintaining concentration in noisy classrooms or during lengthy assignments can feel overwhelming. Experts in child development note that adolescence is a period of brain growth and change, which can further impact a student’s ability to manage distractions and stay on task. Recognizing that these struggles are common helps parents respond with empathy and proactive support.

Practical Focus Techniques for Better Concentration

The phrase focus techniques for better concentration refers to strategies that help your child direct energy and attention where it matters most. These techniques are not one-size-fits-all. Neurodivergent learners may respond differently to various approaches, so experimentation and patience are key. Here are several proven techniques that can be tailored to your child’s strengths:

• Chunking Tasks: Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of writing an entire essay in one sitting, your child can focus on drafting the introduction, then the body, then the conclusion.
• Visual Schedules and Timers: Using a visual daily planner or timer helps students see what comes next and how long to focus on one task. Many find apps or color-coded planners especially helpful.
• Movement Breaks: Short, structured breaks (such as stretching, walking, or grabbing a snack) can restore energy and improve concentration. Encourage your child to move every 20-30 minutes, especially during long study sessions.
• Noise Management: Some students do better with soft background music or white noise, while others need silence. Experiment together to find what environment is least distracting for your child.
• Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing routines can calm nerves and reset attention. Practicing mindful awareness, even for a minute or two, helps students refocus when worry or stress creeps in.
• Clear Workspaces: Reducing clutter on desks or in study areas limits visual distractions and helps signal the brain it is time to focus.

When you introduce focus techniques for better concentration, start with one or two strategies. Ask your child for feedback and encourage them to notice which approaches help them feel more in control. Consistent routines can make these techniques second nature.

How Can Parents Help Their Neurodivergent Teen Use Focus Tools?

Many parents wonder what their role should be in supporting their teen’s concentration. The best approach balances guidance with respect for independence. Here are some parent-tested ways to help:

• Collaborate, Do Not Dictate: Invite your teen to help choose which focus techniques for better concentration they want to try. This fosters a sense of ownership.
• Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Notice and praise your child’s attempts to use new strategies, even if they are still working on consistency.
• Model Self-Compassion: Talk openly about times when you find it hard to focus and share how you manage distractions.
• Connect with Teachers: Ask educators what focus supports work well at school. Many strategies can be adapted for home use.
• Provide Tools: Invest in timers, planners, or noise-canceling headphones if you can. Simple tools can make a big difference.

Remember, every learner is different. What works for one student may not work for another. Your ongoing encouragement can help your child keep experimenting until they find a routine that fits.

Focus and Attention Strategies for High School Success

As your child enters high school, focus techniques for better concentration become even more important. Complex coursework, longer reading assignments, and high-stakes tests demand sustained attention. Neurodivergent students may also feel pressure to keep up with peers, which can increase anxiety. Here are some additional strategies suited for high schoolers:

• Goal Setting: Work with your teen to set small, achievable goals for each study session. For example, “Finish math problems 1-10 before dinner.” This gives focus a clear purpose.
• Weekly Planning: Encourage your child to map out their week in advance, including time for homework, breaks, and fun activities. Visualizing the week reduces overwhelm.
• Prioritization: Teach your child to start with the most challenging tasks first, when their energy is highest. This can help prevent procrastination.
• Accountability Check-Ins: Set up brief daily or weekly check-ins to review what is working and what needs adjusting. Offer support, not criticism.

Some teens benefit from using digital tools, such as focus apps or online calendars. Others prefer paper planners or sticky notes. Invite your child to explore different options and reflect on which help them stay on track. You can find more resources on focus and attention for high schoolers on our site.

Encouraging Self-Advocacy and Independence

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the confidence to advocate for their own learning needs. High school is the perfect time to practice self-advocacy for high school, especially for neurodivergent learners. Encourage your teen to speak up about what helps them concentrate, whether that means requesting extra time on tests, a quiet space to work, or specific classroom accommodations. Remind them that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Role-play conversations with teachers or write scripts together to build self-assurance.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Expecting Instant Results: It takes time to build new habits. Be patient and continue offering support as your child tries new focus techniques for better concentration.
• Overloading with Strategies: Introducing too many new tools at once can feel overwhelming. Start small and add more gradually as your child gets comfortable.
• Comparing to Others: Every learner’s journey is unique. Celebrate your child’s progress rather than comparing them to siblings or classmates.
• Ignoring Emotional Needs: Stress, anxiety, and self-doubt can make concentration harder. Validate your child’s feelings and offer reassurance alongside practical support.

What if My Child Still Struggles?

Even with the best focus techniques for better concentration, some students continue to struggle. This does not mean your efforts—or your child’s—are failing. It may be time to consult with school counselors, special education teams, or outside professionals for additional support. In some cases, formal evaluations or changes to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can unlock new strategies and accommodations that better fit your child’s needs. Remember, progress is rarely a straight path, and setbacks are part of learning.

Related Resources

• 7 Ways to Increase a Student’s Attention Span
• 6 Ways to Help Your Child Focus
• 15 Strategies for Managing Attention Problems

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that helping neurodivergent high school students develop focus techniques for better concentration is a journey. Our team partners with families to create customized learning plans that build confidence, resilience, and independence. Whether your child needs help mastering study habits, organizing their time, or learning self-advocacy, we are here to provide encouragement and expertise at every step.

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].