ADHD Experts Podcast 600- When Emotions Block Learning for Students with ADHD
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Apr 7, 2026 Gena VanderMeulen, an academic ADHD coach and former high-school English teacher, explains why emotions can shut down learning for students with ADHD. She highlights stress, perfectionism, the window of tolerance, and practical regulation tools. Strategies include personalized plans, classroom supports, and ways to engage twice-exceptional and resistant learners.
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Train Tolerance For The Learning Space
- Teach students to tolerate the uncomfortable 'learning space' between not knowing and knowing by naming it and practicing controlled starts.
- Gena used a controlled start with Sally so starting itself became a form of control and reduced anxiety.
Make A Personalized Window Of Tolerance Plan
- Create a Window of Tolerance plan: map a student's day, list triggers that push them into hyper/hypoarousal, and record personalized strategies to return to regulated state.
- Lucy used peppermint, five-sense checks, and three-point color breathing during SATs as concrete in-test anchors.
Reframe Tasks With A Five Level Strategy
- Use a Levels Strategy to reframe assignments: rate tasks 1–5 by consequence so perfectionists stop treating everything as critical.
- Mary learned many tasks were level 2–3, and crocheting helped her re-enter her window before starting work.
