Strategies to Help ADHD Students Turn in Assignments on Time: Building Confidence and Organization

Is your child struggling with low grades due to missing assignments? You’re not alone. Many neurodiverse middle schoolers complete homework but forget to turn it in—or lose it in the chaotic abyss of their backpacks. This common challenge can significantly impact grades, leading to frustration, overwhelm, and a spiral of missed and/or late work. Discover 12 practical strategies to help neurodiverse middle schoolers stay organized, turn in assignments on time and build confidence.

While these strategies are tailored to support neurodiverse middle schoolers, many of them can benefit any student who struggles with organization and turning in assignments on time. After all, good habits and routines are helpful for every child navigating the busy world of middle school.

As a middle school teacher, I’ve seen how quickly this snowball effect can damage a student’s confidence. Once they feel like they’re failing, it’s easy for them to think, Why even bother? That’s why it’s crucial to step in early with actionable strategies to keep them on track.

Assessing the Underlying Issues

Before diving into strategies, take a step back and assess where your child is struggling. Consider these questions:

Are assignments missing or just being turned in late?
Are there more issues with homework or classwork?
Are they starting assignments but not finishing them?
Do they finish assignments but lose them or forget to turn them in?
Do they understand the work, or are they struggling with the concepts being taught?
Do they know how to check their grades?
Do they know when and how to turn in assignments?
Do they know how to make up missed work after being absent?

Take time to talk to your child and their teachers to uncover the root causes. For instance, if your child doesn’t understand math concepts, they may need additional support from a teacher or tutor. If they finish assignments but lose them, focus on organization and systems skills. Evaluating the “why” behind their missed work will guide your efforts in teaching the skills they need to improve.

Take the first step toward becoming the parent your child truly needs with this free self-reflection guide! Click HERE to get the free guide.

12 Practical Strategies to Turn in Assignments on Time

1. Create a Consistent Homework Routine

Establish a set time and place for homework each day—bonus points if it’s distraction-free. Easier said than done, I know! You might need a weekly plan that varies based on activities. The key is to be as consistent as possible and set clear expectations.
Kids with ADHD and other neurodiversity may benefit from incorporating sensory supports like fidgets, a wobble stool or headphones to cater to your child’s needs.
Use visual timers or schedules to provide structure and clarity.

2. Break Assignments into Manageable Steps

Help your child break large assignments into smaller, bite-sized tasks. This is especially important for students who have ADHD as they often struggle when assignments seem overwhelming.
Use checklists or sticky notes to track completed steps.
Celebrate small wins with positive reinforcement—think high-fives or favorite snacks.

3. Use Visual Aids and Digital Reminders

Hang a calendar in a visible spot to track assignment due dates.
Organize work with color-coded folders, color-coded dividers or binders for each subject.
Set app-based reminders with fun notifications to keep deadlines top of mind.

4. Partner with Teachers

Build a relationship with your child’s teachers to stay informed about assignments.
Request accommodations like shorter assignments or digital submissions when needed.
Communicate openly about your child’s needs, especially if they have an IEP or 504 plan.

5. Use Technology to Stay Organized

Explore apps like Google Calendar or Todoist for tracking deadlines. Additionally, the reminders feature on your phone or other device can also be helpful, set up reminders ahead of time to help your child remember tasks.
Teach your child to check the school’s online platform weekly for grades and assignments. Additionally, get into the habit of checking their online grades weekly as well. I recommend checking it together with your child weekly for a few months until you start to see improvement.
Set up digital submission options to avoid the classic “lost homework” scenario.

6. Teach Prioritization Skills

Help your child sort assignments by urgency and importance.
A simple tool for a middle schooler to prioritize tasks is the “ABC” method where they categorize tasks as “A” (most important, do first), “B” (important, do next), and “C” (least important, do last) – allowing them to visually see which tasks need immediate attention and which can be done later.
Revisit priorities daily to adjust for new deadlines or changes. Kiddos with ADHD often struggle with prioritizing and being flexible with changes, be sure to teach them how to prioritize and adjust daily.

7. Build Executive Functioning Skills

Practice estimating how long tasks will take and compare with actual time.
Use visual timers to create structure and urgency.
Plan out large projects with a step-by-step timeline for completion.

8. Create an Assignment Turn-In Routine

Pack backpacks the night before to avoid morning chaos.
Use a checklist by the door to confirm all assignments are ready to go.
Encourage emailing assignments to teachers as a backup method.

9. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Praise effort and consistency over perfection.
Use simple rewards, like extra screen time or a favorite snack, to motivate your child.
Celebrate small achievements—like remembering to pack their homework—with enthusiasm.

10. Encourage Self-Advocacy

Teach your child to communicate with teachers in person or through email for clarification or extensions.
Role-play scenarios where they may need to ask for help or advocate for their needs.
Gradually step back as they gain independence and confidence.

11. Simplify the Planner System

Choose one planner—digital or paper—that your child can easily manage. (Don’t underestimate the power of colorful gel pens to get your child excited about using a planner. My girl moms out there know what I’m talking about!)
Review the planner together daily to track due dates and highlight priorities.
Don’t hesitate to switch systems if one isn’t working.
For more information about planner’s check out this Edutopia link.

12. Add a Daily Homework Review Session

Dedicate 5–10 minutes each evening to check completed work and ensure nothing is forgotten.
Use this time to bond —ask about their day or share a funny story to lighten the mood.
Turn it into a positive routine to reinforce organization habits.

Bonus Tip: Display Your Child’s Work

Displaying your middle schooler’s good work boosts their self-esteem, motivates them to keep trying, and strengthens your bond by showing you value their efforts. Create a dedicated space to showcase their achievements and involve them in deciding what to display. This simple act fosters pride and celebrates their successes in a meaningful way.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

These strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they can be tailored to your child’s strengths and needs. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Small, gradual changes over time can make a big impact. Celebrate every small win, and remember: when your neurodiverse middle schooler successfully turns in their assignments, it’s like striking gold in the parenting world.