Students with ADHD face challenges related to the 11 executive functioning skills—including managing time, memory, focus, and organization. These difficulties can make learning Spanish particularly challenging. Below are nine specific reasons why Spanish can be hard for people with ADHD, along with strategies to support them.
1. Verb Conjugation (Working Memory)
Learning and applying the rules for verb conjugation is inherently tricky. Verbs change depending on the subject and tense—and irregular verbs are exceptions to the rule that must be memorized. This requires strong working memory to recall and apply rules in real-time. This can be difficult
What can help:
- Compare and Contrast English and Spanish conjugation patterns
- Use color-coding or visual markers while learning different verb endings
- Practice, as extra repetition is necessary to solidify skills
2. Academic, Text-Based Instruction (Sustained Attention)
Traditional, academic approaches to language learning—like reading and grammar drills—can feel abstract or unengaging for ADHD learners, who often thrive on hands-on, interactive experiences.
What can help:
- Integrate personal interests into lessons
- Use breaks proactively before focus is exhausted
- Communicate with other people in Spanish
3. Memorizing Large Amounts of Vocabulary (Working Memory)
Remembering and retaining vocabulary can be especially difficult with ADHD, especially when they don’t get to use the words in real-life contexts. Learning for a test, then forgetting everything after, is a common pitfall. Memorizing large amounts of vocab is one of the reasons learning Spanish with ADHD is hard.
What can help:
- Use gamified apps like Quizlet or Conjuguemos
- Group vocabulary by theme and part of speech
- Practice new words in conversations and writing
4. Focusing on Lectures (Sustained Attention)
In the classroom setting, it may be difficult to focus on dull and disconnected lectures on grammar rules. This can make it hard to sustain attention during classroom instruction.
What can help:
- Reteach using pattern discovery
- Use of a fidget and actively take notes
- Take walking or standing breaks
5. Staying Organized with Assignments (Organization)
Spanish class often involves daily homework of multiple assignments. Keeping track of them all can be overwhelming for students with ADHD who struggle with organization.
What can help:
- Keep track in a planner or Google Keep
- Set-up a folder system or a double-check habit for electronic work
- Set reminders for due dates
6. Procrastination and Last-Minute Cramming (Task Initiation)
Students with ADHD may procrastinate learning the material until the last minute for a variety of reasons. They may worry about their ability to learn the material, avoid the unpleasant task of studying, or feel resentful that they have to complete the task. Procrastination often leads to rushed, last-minute cramming, which isn’t effective for building long-term memory—especially for students with working memory difficulties.
What can help:
- Create a study routine
- Work with an Executive Functioning coach for accountability
- Start the task for 5 minutes the day it is assigned
7. Breaking Down Long-term Goals (Planning & Prioritizing)
Becoming fluent in Spanish is a goal that can feel unattainable. Students with ADHD may struggle to map out the small, consistent steps required to reach it.
What can help:
- Set short-term, specific goals
- Work with an Executive Functioning coach
- Track your progress and reward accomplishments
8. Maintaining Motivation (Goal-Directed Persistence)
Learning Spanish with ADHD is hard because ADHD brains crave novelty and stimulation. Repetitive drills and grammar practice can quickly lead to disengagement.
What can help:
- Set the timer for intervals of work time and short breaks
- Incorporate music, healthy snacks, and movement breaks into study sessions
- Alternate between high-interest and lower-interest tasks
9. Managing Time and Preventing Burnout (Time Management)
Students with ADHD may hyperfocus on only one task (like memorizing vocabulary) and burn out before they complete the rest of their homework (like grammar exercises). Balancing all the skills needed in Spanish requires careful time management.
What can help:
- Use timers for short, focused work sessions (10–20 minutes)
- Take breaks proactively to prevent a focus crash
- Alternate between multiple assignments, completing them in short bursts
Learning Spanish with ADHD is Hard, but You Should Learn it Anyway
Learning a foreign language has pronounced cognitive benefits, including delaying the onset of dementia, including improving concentration, academic performance, and creativity. Learning Spanish is a challenge, but our brains need to be challenged in order to be as high performing and healthy as possible. With the right support, you can meet your fluency goals!
What Neurodivergent Spanish Tutoring Looks Like
Students can get specialized support from a fluent tutor who is also experienced in working with students with ADHD. The classes are a personalized, seamless blend between both skillsets, and can be combined with other academic support or general EF coaching. Students are able to succeed in their Spanish classes, complete long-term projects such as presentations and papers, prepare for AP and IB exams, and receive the extra support and instruction they need to make the Spanish they’re learning part of their long-term memory.
If you are interested in our Neurodivergent Spanish Tutoring classes, reach out to Hannah or Hailey!
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Contact us today to find out what our dedicated tutors can help you achieve.
