Finding a tutor who truly understands ADHD takes more than a quick search. Standard tutoring does not always address the cognitive and behavioural nuances of attention differences. Here is what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find the right fit in Western Australia.
Finding a tutor who truly understands ADHD takes more than a quick search. Standard tutoring does not always address the cognitive and behavioural nuances of attention differences. Many families cycle through generic learning programmes that fail to engage or adapt, leaving students frustrated and falling further behind. The reality is that traditional teaching methods do not always align with how students with ADHD process information, retain concepts, or stay motivated.
What Should You Look for in a Qualified ADHD Tutor?
Not all tutors are equipped to work effectively with students with ADHD. The most important qualities to look for are:
Understanding of ADHD and executive function. A good ADHD tutor understands that the challenges their student faces are neurological, not motivational. They know that task initiation difficulties, working memory challenges, and time blindness are real and require specific strategies, not just more encouragement.
Flexibility and responsiveness. ADHD students do not respond well to rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. A good tutor adapts their pace, their methods, and their expectations based on how the student is functioning on a given day.
Patience and a strengths-based approach. ADHD students often arrive at tutoring with a history of academic struggle and damaged confidence. A good tutor builds on strengths rather than focusing on deficits.
Specific strategies for ADHD learners. Look for tutors who use approaches like task chunking, visual planners, active recall, multisensory learning, and regular movement breaks. These are not just good teaching practice. They are specifically effective for ADHD brains.
Experience with neurodivergent students. Ask directly about their experience working with students with ADHD. How many students with ADHD have they worked with? What approaches have they found most effective?
What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Tutor?
Before committing, ask:
- What experience do you have working with students with ADHD?
- How do you adapt your approach for students who struggle with task initiation or focus?
- What does a typical session look like?
- How do you communicate with parents about progress?
- What happens if the student is having a particularly difficult day?
A good tutor will answer these questions thoughtfully and will ask questions about your child's specific challenges and strengths. Be cautious of tutors who give generic answers or who seem unfamiliar with executive function challenges.
Where Do You Find ADHD-Aware Tutors in WA?
Word of mouth. Ask other parents of children with ADHD, your child's school, or your child's psychologist or paediatrician for recommendations. Personal referrals are often the most reliable.
The AADPA directory lists ADHD-informed professionals across Australia.
Your child's school. Many schools have learning support staff who can recommend tutors with experience in ADHD.
Online tutoring platforms. Many tutors now offer sessions online, which can be a good option for students who find the transition to a tutoring session easier from home. Focus Collective coaching sessions are available online Australia wide, or in-person in Perth.
What Should a Good ADHD Tutoring Session Look Like?
A well-structured session for a student with ADHD typically starts with a brief check-in to assess the student's energy and focus levels, then moves into the main work with built-in breaks and transitions. The tutor adapts the pace and the approach based on how the student is functioning on that day, rather than following a fixed plan regardless of circumstances.
Good ADHD tutoring sessions also end with a clear summary of what was covered and what the student needs to do before next time. This externalises the working memory load of remembering what was discussed and gives the student a concrete next step rather than a vague sense of "I need to study."
If a session consistently ends with the student feeling overwhelmed or defeated, that is a signal that the approach needs to change, not that the student needs to try harder.
Tutoring and ADHD coaching are different things. Tutoring addresses subject knowledge gaps. Coaching addresses executive function challenges. Many students benefit from both.
If your child understands the material but struggles to get started, stay organised, or hand things in on time, coaching may be more beneficial than tutoring. If they are falling behind because they cannot grasp the content, tutoring is likely the better first step.
See our post on ADHD Coaching vs Tutoring: Which Does Your Child Need? for a detailed comparison.
A Coaching Example
A pattern I often see is a family who has engaged a tutor for their child, but the sessions are not going well. The tutor is knowledgeable and patient, but the child shuts down or becomes distressed during sessions. What usually becomes clear is that the tutor is approaching the work in a way that assumes the child can follow multi-step instructions and sustain attention for extended periods. The coaching work focuses on helping the family find a tutor who understands how to break tasks into smaller steps, use visual supports, and build in movement breaks, and on preparing the child for what a session will look like so it feels less unpredictable.
Key takeaways
- A good ADHD tutor understands that the challenges ADHD students face are neurological, not motivational, and adapts their approach accordingly.
- Look for tutors with specific experience working with neurodivergent students, not just general tutoring experience.
- Ask about their approach to task initiation, working memory, and emotional regulation before committing.
- Tutoring and ADHD coaching address different needs. Many students benefit from both.
- Word of mouth is often the most reliable way to find a good fit in WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell the tutor about my child's ADHD? Yes. A tutor who does not know about your child's ADHD cannot adapt their approach appropriately. Sharing the diagnosis, and any specific challenges your child faces, will help the tutor provide better support.
How often should my child have tutoring sessions? This depends on the child's needs and the subject. Weekly sessions are common during school terms. More frequent sessions may be useful in the lead-up to exams.
What if the tutoring is not working? If your child is not making progress after a reasonable period, it is worth reviewing whether the tutor is the right fit, whether tutoring is the right intervention, or whether there are other factors such as sleep, anxiety, or executive function difficulties affecting performance.
Does my child need a formal ADHD diagnosis to access tutoring support? No. A formal diagnosis is not required to access tutoring. However, if your child has a diagnosis, sharing it with the tutor allows them to adapt their approach appropriately. A diagnosis is required to access school-based accommodations and some other supports.
Related posts: ADHD Coaching vs Tutoring: Which Does Your Child Need? | Expert ADHD Coaching Strategies for Parents at Home | Building Routines That Stick When You Have ADHD
Find out more: ADHD coaching for students | Book a free 15-minute chat
Last reviewed: October 2026
Written by Sophie Berry
Registered teacher (25+ years in education) and certified ADHD coach, Focus Collective, Perth WA.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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