Staying focused during long tasks and homework

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Focus

Many parents of neurodivergent children notice their high schooler struggles with staying focused during long tasks and homework. This challenge is especially common for teens with ADHD, autism, or learning differences, whose brains may process information or regulate attention differently. Your child is not alone, and their struggles are not a reflection of effort or intelligence. With understanding and the right strategies, your teen can develop focus skills that foster independence and self-confidence.

Definitions

Sustaining attention over time means being able to keep your mind and energy on a single activity or assignment for an extended period, even when it is difficult or tiring.

Emotional barriers are feelings like anxiety, overwhelm, or frustration that make it harder for your child to start or finish tasks.

Understanding Emotional Barriers to Staying Focused During Long Tasks and Homework

Staying focused during long tasks and homework can feel overwhelming for any high school student, but especially for those who are neurodivergent. When your teen faces a big project, extended reading, or a stack of homework, emotional barriers often arise. Anxiety about making mistakes, fear of not finishing, or frustration with slow progress can quickly sap their attention. Perfectionism can also play a role, making your child hesitant to even start an assignment if they worry it will not be perfect.

Experts in child development note that emotional barriers do not mean a lack of willpower. Instead, they are signals that your child may need extra support in managing stress and breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps. Many teachers and parents report that when these feelings are acknowledged and addressed with empathy, students gain the confidence to tackle long assignments.

Why Is Sustaining Attention Over Time So Difficult in High School?

For high schoolers, homework often shifts from short, clear-cut assignments to longer projects and multi-step tasks. This transition can be especially difficult for neurodivergent learners. Brains that are wired for novelty or quick feedback may struggle to maintain interest in repetitive or extended work. If your child has ADHD, they might find it especially tough to filter out distractions or keep their mind on one thing.

It is important to remember that staying focused during long tasks and homework is a skill, not a talent your child is born with. It develops over time, with practice and support. Emotional fatigue, sensory overload, and even hunger or lack of sleep can make focus harder. By understanding the unique challenges your child faces, you can help them find ways to work with their brain—not against it.

How Can Parents Help Neurodivergent High Schoolers Improve Focus and Attention?

Many parents wonder: “What can I do if my teen gets discouraged quickly or gives up on big assignments?” The first step is to validate your child’s feelings. Let them know it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Encourage your child to talk about what makes certain tasks hard to stick with. Is it boredom, anxiety, or a lack of understanding?

• Break big assignments into smaller tasks. If your child has a long essay, help them outline the steps: brainstorming, research, rough draft, editing, and final copy. Celebrate completion of each step.
• Use timers and scheduled breaks. The Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break—can help reset energy and reduce overwhelm.
• Create a distraction-reduced workspace. Encourage your child to put their phone in another room, use headphones for white noise, or have a clear desk to help their mind settle.
• Check in, but do not hover. Offer to sit nearby for moral support or to answer questions, but allow your child to take ownership when ready.

For more on building these habits, see our study habits resources.

High School and Sustaining Attention Over Time: Practical Strategies

In grades 9-12, the ability to sustain focus becomes more important as coursework grows more complex. Here are some grade-specific strategies for neurodivergent learners:

• Ninth and tenth grade: Encourage planners or digital calendars for mapping out multi-day assignments. Help your teen set reminders for check-ins and deadlines.
• Eleventh and twelfth grade: Support your child in self-advocacy. If they need accommodations for longer tests or projects, help them communicate with teachers or case managers.
• All high school grades: Normalize taking movement breaks. Suggest a quick walk, stretching, or a snack to refresh focus after 20-30 minutes of work.

Many parents notice that routines make a difference. Consistency in homework time, clear expectations, and regular check-ins can help your teen approach long tasks without dread.

Parent Question: Why Does My Child Seem to Lose Focus Faster Than Their Peers?

This is a common concern, and it does not mean your child is lazy or uninterested. Neurodivergent learners might process information differently or have more intense emotional responses to stress. Factors like sensory overload, medication changes, or even worries about social situations can impact focus. If you notice your teen frequently drifts off during homework, discuss with them what triggers the distraction. Do they need more movement, a quieter space, or a different way to take notes?

If you ever feel unsure, reach out to school counselors, teachers, or your child’s healthcare provider. They can help you identify underlying factors and suggest additional accommodations as needed.

Building Emotional Resilience for Sustained Focus

Helping your child develop emotional resilience is just as important as teaching study skills. Encourage your teen to notice when frustration or boredom sets in, and to name those feelings without judgment. Remind them that everyone’s brain wanders at times, especially during long or repetitive tasks.

• Model self-compassion by sharing your own experiences with distraction or stress.
• Help your child set realistic goals for each homework session, focusing on progress over perfection.
• Celebrate small wins—finishing a page, organizing notes, or sticking with a task for longer than usual.

Experts in adolescent psychology emphasize that emotional awareness and positive self-talk can make a big difference in your child’s ability to keep going, even when tasks feel tough.

How to Improve Focus in High School: Partnering with Your Teen

If you are looking for ways to improve focus in high school, try making it a team effort. Ask your child what strategies help them most. Some teens like checklists. Others benefit from working in short bursts or changing locations halfway through an assignment. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, review it together and discuss how classroom accommodations might be adapted for home study.

Remind your child that struggling with staying focused during long tasks and homework is common. With support, they can learn tools that will help in high school, college, and beyond.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique challenges neurodivergent learners face with staying focused during long tasks and homework. Our experienced tutors partner with families to create personalized strategies, encourage emotional resilience, and nurture independent learning skills. Whether your teen needs help breaking down assignments, managing time, or building confidence, we are here to support your family every step of the way.

Related Resources

• Interventions to Aid Executive Function Development
• 8 Mindfulness Activities & Exercises for Kids
• Developing Your Child’s Attention Span – YouthFirstInc.org

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].