CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) – Studying can be a challenging task, especially for students with learning disabilities. Alexis Avila, Founder of Prepped & Polished, Tutoring and Test Preparation joins us with 7 study tips to help students.

1. For ADHD Inattentive Type

Pitfalls: Difficulty Paying Attention, Trouble with Multi-Step Tasks
Strategies: Break your essays into small chunks. For SAT and ACT essays first spend several minutes brainstorming examples and outlining each paragraph BEFORE actually writing the essay.

2. For ADHD Hyperactive Type

Pitfalls: Impulse Control
Strategies: Write out all your math steps on paper before rushing directly to those confusing multiple answer choices.

3. Unmotivated, Low-Energy Type

Pitfalls: Ambivalent
Strategies: Don’t enroll in large classes. Small class sizes are more stimulating and engaging. Bonus Tip: Low on energy and need an energy boost during a test? Eat dark chocolate before or during your test to get the energy burst without the crash!

4. Executive Function Disorder Type

Pitfalls: Difficulties with Time Management and Organization
Strategies: Become an early riser. Develop an early morning routine by waking up early and doing homework exercises each Saturday two to three months BEFORE your SAT or ACT test.

5. Non-Verbal Learning Disorder Type

Pitfalls: Drawing Inferences, Difficulty with Word Problems
Strategies: Avoid Careless mistakes, Underline! Underlining key words in math problems will force you to read questions carefully and know EXACTLY what to look for.

6. Anxious Student Type

Pitfalls: Catostrophizing
Strategies: Practice tests bolster confidence. Take practice tests under timed conditions on Saturday mornings to mimic test day environment.

7. Reading/Language-Based Learning Disorder Type

Pitfalls: Trouble with Working Memory
Strategies: On long reading passages, mark up the passage, answer specific questions as you read, and answer general questions last.

What was your biggest takeaway from these tips for students with learning disabilities? Do you have any questions for Alexis Avila?

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