AI for ADHD Students: The Good, The Bad, and How to Use It Right

April 26, 2025|Active Participation, AI, critical thinking, Equity, Ethical Considerations, Inaccuracy, Overreliance, Plagiarism

AcademicAlly, LLC: April 1, 2025

Introduction

Imagine having a super-powered assistant who never gets tired, doesn’t judge you for procrastinating, and can help you brainstorm an essay at 2 AM. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, that’s AI in a nutshell.

For students with ADHD, AI can be a game-changer, offering tools that help with organization, focus, and learning. But, like any powerful tool (for example, a sleek sports car that skids into the curb, knocking off a hubcap as its driver attempts to parallel park), it has its pros and cons. In this blog post, we discuss how AI can help, where it can cause problems, and how to use it responsibly.

The Positives of AI for ADHD Students

There are many benefits to using AI:

1. Brainstorming and Idea Generation

Starting an assignment can feel like climbing a mountain in roller skates. No matter how much effort you put into initiating homework, you just can’t gain traction or stay on track. AI can help by throwing out ideas when your brain is spinning out.. Need a topic for a research paper? AI can generate a list in seconds.

2. Creating Outlines for Papers and Presentations

Many students with ADHD struggle with organizing their thoughts. AI can help by creating structured outlines, turning a chaotic brain dump into a clear roadmap. It’s like having a GPS for your essay—no more getting lost in the middle of a paragraph or thought!

3. Bridging the Language Barrier

For students learning a new language (or just struggling with academic jargon), AI translation tools can be lifesavers. It’s like having a mini-language tutor in your back pocket, except it doesn’t roll its eyes and sigh when you mispronounce “ella.”

4. Access to Resources and Guidance

Need a quick tutorial on solving quadratic equations? AI can explain it (though you still have to do the work). Struggling with grammar? AI can proofread. You have a 24/7 support team at your disposal, ready to help.

5. Social Situation Guidance

Some AI tools offer insights into social cues, which can be especially useful for students who find social interactions tricky. Think of it as a digital wingman for real-life conversations.

The Drawbacks of AI for ADHD Students

1. Plagiarism Concerns

One of the leading concerns educators have about AI is plagiarism. Letting AI write your entire paper is tempting, but it’s a fast track to trouble. Professors and teachers have ways of detecting AI-generated content, and using AI too much can actually prevent you from learning the material you need to master.

2. Depriving Students of Critical Skills

Equally important is the development of critical thinking skills. If AI does all the heavy lifting, students may not develop essential skills like research, analysis, and problem-solving. This is similar to copying the answers from a classmate’s test- math—you might get the answer, but do you actually understand it?

3. Equity Issues

Not all AI tools are free, and students who can afford premium versions may have an academic advantage over those using basic (or no) AI tools. This digital divide can further exacerbate existing educational gaps.

4. Inaccuracy and Misinformation

AI is smart, but it’s not perfect. We all know these technological advancements are only as good as the humans who designed them. Sometimes, it confidently spits out incorrect information (kind of like that one friend who insists they know everything). Many users do not realize the AI-generated “facts” are not necessarily accurate. If students don’t fact-check, they could end up with wrong answers. And therein lies one of the challenges: many students have not established strong research and fact-checking skills, so they are at a disadvantage in these scenarios.

5. Over-Reliance on AI

AI should be a tool, not a crutch. Relying on it too much can make students less confident in their own abilities. Think of it like training wheels or swimming floaties—you have to take them off at some point!

How to Use AI Successfully and Ethically

1. Language Learning

Use AI to generate translations, but then analyze them yourself. Think of it as a study buddy, not an auto-pilot.

2. Ethical Assignments

Teachers can design assignments that encourage students to engage critically with AI, like having students analyze AI-generated responses and improve upon them.

3. Ethical Considerations

Always cite AI-generated content properly.
Cross-check AI information with reliable sources.
Use AI as a supplement, not a replacement, for your own thinking.

How to Ensure Work is Authentic

1. Incorporating Critical Thinking

Teachers can require students to cite specific lecture materials to show real engagement rather than just AI-powered responses.

2. Video Documentation

Having students explain their work on video can not only ensure they understand what they wrote, but it can confirm they actually did the work in question.

3. Paper-Based Exams and Projects

Good old-fashioned paper exams reduce the temptation and the ability to use AI. Unless someone figures out a way to sneak a phone or laptop that wields AI answers, this is one of the best ways to ensure it is the student who took the test.

4. Active Participation in Class Discussions

Engaging in discussions is a great way to demonstrate learning in real time. This form of learning also facilitates the exploration of different perspectives and richer understanding of content.

Here’s the Thing: AI is an incredibly useful tool for ADHD students, helping with organization, brainstorming, and learning. But like a GPS, it should guide you—not drive the car for you. Using AI ethically and thoughtfully ensures that you will still develop your skills while benefiting from the extra support AI can provide.