Neurodivergent? Here’s How to Study for the ASWB Exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety

Studying for the ASWB exam is already a high-stakes challenge, but for neurodivergent individuals, especially those navigating ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety, it can feel like trying to study in a windstorm. Traditional advice often assumes a one-size-fits-all brain, leaving many feeling frustrated or left behind. If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Your path to becoming a licensed Social Worker doesn’t have to follow the same rigid route others take.

The truth is, your brain works differently—and that’s not a flaw. It simply means your study strategies need to be just as unique as you are. Whether focusing feels impossible, reading takes extra time, or test anxiety hijacks your memory, there are real, effective ways to work with your brain’s strengths instead of constantly battling against its wiring. This guide was written with you in mind: to help you discover how to study for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety using tools that actually make sense for you.

From choosing the right study environment to leaning on flexible prep programs like Agents of Change, you’ll find practical solutions that support how you learn best. You don’t have to keep forcing yourself into study habits that never worked. With the right resources and mindset, passing the ASWB exam as a neurodivergent learner isn’t just possible—it’s absolutely achievable.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) Why Traditional Study Methods Fail Neurodivergent Brains

Most study advice is built for neurotypical learners—people who can sit still for hours, read dense material without fatigue, and stay focused without constant inner battles. But if you’re neurodivergent, those strategies don’t just fall flat—they backfire.

Let’s break down why and what to do instead.

📚 1. Sitting Still ≠ Learning Better (Especially with ADHD)

Traditional methods tell you to find a quiet place, sit down, and “just focus.” Sounds simple, right? But if you have ADHD, your brain craves stimulation and movement. Stillness can feel like suffocation.

Instead, try this:

Use a standing desk or bounce on a yoga ball 🧘
Walk while listening to audio lessons 🎧
Break sessions into 25-minute blocks with 5–10 minute movement breaks ⏱️

Takeaway: Movement isn’t a distraction—it’s fuel for focus.

🔤 2. Reading Isn’t Always the Best Way to Learn (Especially with Dyslexia)

Long pages of dense text can feel overwhelming if you have Dyslexia. The effort it takes to decode each word often leaves little energy to actually absorb the content.

Instead, try this:

Use text-to-speech software to listen instead of read 🔊
Watch video lessons that break down concepts visually 🎬
Use color-coded flashcards or diagrams for key ideas 🌈

Takeaway: Your brain can understand more when your eyes don’t have to do all the heavy lifting.

😰 3. Anxiety Kills Focus—Fast

Feeling anxious while studying? You’re not alone. Anxiety turns minor distractions into full-blown spirals and makes it almost impossible to concentrate. The “power through” mindset traditional methods preach only makes it worse.

Instead, try this:

Start with deep breathing or a short mindfulness app 🧘‍♂️
Keep your study goals small and manageable 🎯
Review one concept at a time, then celebrate your win 🥳

Takeaway: Calm minds absorb more. Period.

🧠 4. Rigid Study Schedules = Recipe for Burnout

Most study guides assume you can follow a rigid plan with equal energy every day. But neurodivergent learners often experience inconsistent energy, attention, and emotional regulation.

Instead, try this:

Use a flexible study plan that adjusts to your daily needs 📆
Focus on what you learn each week, not just when 📚
Leave room for rest and recharging ⚡

Takeaway: Your pace is valid. Productivity doesn’t have to look the same every day.

💡 5. Passive Learning = Poor Retention

Traditional study methods often focus on passive learning, such as reading notes, highlighting text, or reviewing slides. But most neurodivergent brains need active engagement to retain information.

Instead, try this:

Teach the material to a friend or out loud to yourself 👩‍🏫
Create your own flashcards or quizzes 🎴
Join live study groups where you can ask and answer questions in real time 💬

Takeaway: If you’re interacting with the content, you’re learning it more deeply.

Final Thought: You’re not lazy or unmotivated—your brain just isn’t built for boring. Traditional methods aren’t broken—they’re just incomplete. The good news? With a few key shifts and the right support, you can build a study routine that works with your brain, not against it.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) How to Study for the ASWB Exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety

Studying for the ASWB exam isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, especially when your brain works differently. Whether your focus disappears the moment you open a book, reading is a full-body workout, or your anxiety skyrockets with every practice test, you’re not alone.

Here’s how to study for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety in a way that’s actually doable.

🔁 ADHD: Focus That Flows, Not Forces

When you have ADHD, sitting still and zoning in for hours is… unrealistic. Distractions sneak in fast, and even when you’re motivated, sustaining attention is tough.

Actionable Tips for ADHD:

Use the Pomodoro Technique
Set a timer: 25 minutes of study, 5-minute break. Repeat 4 times, then take a longer break. This gives your brain rhythm and structure. ⏲️
Change study environments
Rotate between a desk, a standing area, and even outdoor spaces. Movement stimulates your brain, helping keep focus fresh. 🌿
Anchor learning with action
Don’t just read—highlight, talk it out, draw it, or teach it to your pet. The more active the learning, the better. 🗣️
Minimize digital clutter
Use website blockers (like Freedom or Cold Turkey) to keep tabs from stealing your attention. And silence those notifications! 🔕
Study in community
Join live study sessions through Agents of Change, they offer 2 per month with all of their programs. You’ll stay accountable without needing to self-motivate in a vacuum. 💬

🔠 Dyslexia: Learn Beyond the Page

Reading doesn’t need to be the only—or even the primary—way you prepare. If you have Dyslexia, decoding dense material can drain your energy before you’ve even started learning.

Actionable Tips for Dyslexia:

Rely on audio
Use text-to-speech tools like Speechify or built-in accessibility features on your device to listen instead of read. Better yet, stream Agents of Change’s audio lessons while you walk or clean. 🎧
Watch videos instead of reading summaries
Visual aids help cement understanding. Agents of Change’s bite-sized videos break things down clearly, making content more accessible. 🎬
Highlight and color-code
Visual structure can make written content easier to scan. Use colored pens, highlighters, or apps to organize material by category. 🌈
Use flashcards over note-taking
Keep it simple. Flashcards (especially visual or app-based) help you stay engaged without the overwhelm of pages of notes. 🎴
Ask for accommodations
You may qualify for large-print exams or screen readers; request these early through ASWB. 📝

😓 Anxiety: Calm First, Then Study

Test anxiety isn’t just nerves—it can freeze your brain mid-sentence, sabotage recall, and make studying feel like climbing a mountain in fog. The key? Ground your nervous system before you crack open the books.

Actionable Tips for Anxiety:

Build routines, not marathons
Keep sessions short, predictable, and paced. Routines create safety; cramming creates chaos. 📅
Start with wins
Begin with a topic you already know. Confidence snowballs, so start where you feel strong. ✅
Breathe before you begin
Use calming apps like Calm or Insight Timer for a 5-minute reset before study sessions. 🧘‍♀️
Practice exams in low-pressure settings
Agents of Change offers 3 full-length practice tests—try one untimed to ease into the format without panic. Then, gradually work toward timing. 🧪
Use positive scripting
Replace “I can’t do this” with “This feels hard, but I’m learning.” Language shifts mindset. 🧠
Join live groups or reach out for support
Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone is calming. Connect with peers in Agents of Change’s live study sessions. 🌐

Bonus Tip: Combine Strategies to Match You

Many neurodivergent learners live with more than one diagnosis or set of traits. That’s why the flexibility of a program like Agents of Change matters—it offers videos, audio, flashcards, and two monthly live study groups. You get access until you pass, so there’s zero pressure and no rush. Plus, every program includes a study plan designed to keep you on track at your pace.

Studying for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety doesn’t mean rewriting the whole book—it means writing a better one that fits your brain.

3) Accommodations: Don’t Wait to Request Them

If you’re neurodivergent and preparing for the ASWB exam, accommodations aren’t “extra help”—they’re essential tools to create a level playing field. Whether you have ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety, or another condition that affects how you process, focus, or manage time, you have the right to request exam accommodations that support your success.

But here’s the thing: you can’t afford to wait. The process takes time—sometimes weeks or longer—so getting started early is key.

🎯 What Are ASWB Exam Accommodations?

Accommodations are modifications to the exam environment or process that help reduce barriers without changing the test content. They’re designed to make the test accessible, not easier.

Common Accommodations Include:

⏱️ Extended Time (typically 1.5x or 2x the standard time)
Great for those who need more time to process questions or manage anxiety.
🧘 Extra Breaks
Ideal if fatigue, stress, or concentration issues make a four-hour straight session unrealistic.
🖥️ Separate Testing Room
Helpful for test-takers who are easily distracted or need a quieter, less stimulating environment.
🔊 Screen Reader or Text-to-Speech Software
Especially beneficial for those with Dyslexia or visual processing difficulties.
🔡 Large Print Test Materials
Improves legibility for people with visual impairments or reading challenges.
🪑 Ergonomic Seating or Physical Modifications
Support for those with sensory issues, chronic pain, or attention/movement needs.

📋 How to Request Accommodations for the ASWB Exam

The process isn’t difficult, but it is very specific. Here’s how to navigate it step-by-step:

1. Gather Documentation

You’ll need a recent evaluation or letter from a qualified professional—usually a doctor, psychologist, or educational specialist. This should clearly state:

Your diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, Dyslexia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
How it impacts your test-taking ability
What accommodations are recommended and why

👉 Tip: The documentation should be recent (within 3–5 years) and detailed.

2. Complete the Accommodations Request Form

Visit the ASWB accommodations page to download the official form. You’ll fill in:

Your contact and registration details
The specific accommodations you’re requesting
A description of your disability or condition (this matches your professional documentation)

Make sure to match your request exactly to the professional’s recommendations.

3. Submit Your Request to ASWB

You’ll send your completed form and supporting documentation to ASWB either by email or mail, as directed on the form. Once submitted, it goes through a review process.

4. Wait for Approval Before Scheduling Your Exam

⚠️ Important: You cannot schedule your exam until accommodations are approved. If you register without approval, your accommodations won’t be honored.

You’ll receive a decision via email or mail. Once approved, you’ll get instructions for how to schedule your accommodated exam.

🕒 When Should You Start the Process?

Start at least 6–8 weeks before your target test date.
Delays happen, and some cases may require follow-up. Don’t risk running out of time—request accommodations early so you’re not cramming them in at the last minute.

💡 Final Thought

Requesting accommodations isn’t asking for special treatment—it’s asking for a fair chance to show what you know. If you’re figuring out how to study for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety, getting the right supports in place is part of your strategy. And the sooner you start, the smoother it’ll be.

Give yourself permission to succeed on your terms.

4) Staying Motivated: Managing Mindset and Mental Health

Studying for the ASWB exam can be a long journey, especially when you’re managing ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety, or any combination of the three. It’s not just about mastering Social Work content; it’s about maintaining the mental stamina to keep going, even when your energy dips, your confidence wavers, or your brain wants to check out completely.

Motivation doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from pacing yourself, being honest about what you need, and supporting your mental health just as intentionally as you study for the exam.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism, especially if you’re used to overcompensating for learning challenges. But aiming for “perfect” study days or 100% scores on practice exams sets you up for burnout and discouragement.

Instead:

Track effort, not just outcomes.
Celebrate small wins: finishing a topic, showing up to a live study group, or simply sitting down to study when you didn’t feel like it.
Reframe mistakes as part of the process. Every question you get wrong in practice is one you’ll be more likely to get right on test day.

Build a Sustainable Study Rhythm

Studying for hours at a time might feel productive in the moment, but if it leaves you drained, it’s not sustainable. Neurodivergent brains often exhibit inconsistent energy levels—some days are characterized by high focus, while others are marked by just getting through.

What helps:

Use short, structured study blocks with planned breaks.
Rotate your study methods—watch a video, then review flashcards, then take a short quiz.
Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Thirty minutes of studying still counts. A slow day doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.

Regulate First, Study Second

Mental and emotional regulation is often a bigger hurdle than the material itself. If you’re trying to study while your anxiety is peaking or you’re mentally foggy, retention suffers.

Instead of forcing focus:

Take a 5-minute reset: breathe deeply, do a body scan, or step outside.
Use calming routines before study sessions: light a candle, drink tea, or do a short meditation.
Keep your workspace as soothing as possible—cluttered space, cluttered brain.

Even 10 minutes of calming your nervous system can dramatically improve your ability to learn and retain new information.

Remember Your “Why”

When the process gets frustrating—and it will—remind yourself why you started. This exam is a stepping stone toward your larger goal: becoming a Social Worker who creates real change.

Reconnect with your mission:

Write down what excites you about being a Social Worker.
Keep a sticky note or journal near your study area with one sentence: “This is hard, but it’s worth it.”
Talk with other aspiring Social Workers in Agents of Change study groups—the community can reignite your passion when your energy fades.

Be Kind to Yourself

This can’t be said enough: studying while neurodivergent means you’re already doing something extraordinary. You’re navigating more variables, managing more distractions, and still showing up.

Take rest days without guilt.
Avoid comparing your journey to others.
Speak to yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a client or friend.

Mindset and mental health aren’t just “extras” when preparing for the ASWB exam. They’re your foundation. When you care for them, everything else—focus, recall, motivation—falls into place more easily.

5) FAQs – How to Study for the ASWB Exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety

Q: What if I have more than one neurodivergent condition—how should I approach studying?

A: It’s completely normal to identify with more than one type of neurodivergence. Many people experience overlapping traits from ADHD, Dyslexia, and Anxiety, which can affect studying in unique ways. Instead of trying to isolate one strategy per diagnosis, focus on what actually works for your brain.

Combine techniques: use audio learning if reading is slow, short study bursts if your focus is inconsistent, and calming routines if anxiety flares. That’s where a resource like Agents of Change shines—it offers a variety of formats (video, audio, flashcards, live study groups), so you can build a custom study routine that fits you.

Q: I haven’t requested accommodations before—what if I’m not sure I “qualify”?

A: Even if you’ve never used academic accommodations in the past, you may still be eligible for them on the ASWB exam. If ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety meaningfully affects how you take tests, you have the right to request support. You’ll need documentation from a licensed provider (psychologist, doctor, or specialist) explaining your diagnosis and why accommodations are appropriate.

Don’t wait until the last minute—start gathering paperwork early, and submit your request before scheduling the exam. The process may feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely worth it to ensure you’re set up for success.

Q: How do I stay on track when motivation and focus come and go?

A: Inconsistent motivation is extremely common for neurodivergent learners. That’s why strict daily schedules often don’t work. Instead, use flexible weekly goals, and allow room for your energy to ebb and flow. Use a study plan (like the ones included in every Agents of Change program) to guide you without adding pressure. On low-focus days, switch to lighter tasks like watching videos or reviewing flashcards. On high-energy days, tackle practice questions or heavier reading. And remember—joining live study groups or finding accountability partners can keep you moving forward, even when your motivation dips.

6) Conclusion

Studying for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety may come with added challenges, but it’s entirely possible to succeed with the right strategies and support tailored to your unique needs. You don’t have to force yourself into outdated, one-size-fits-all study methods that only drain your energy and chip away at your confidence. By honoring the way your brain works and using tools that support your learning style, you’re already setting yourself up for long-term success, not just on test day, but in your career as a Social Worker.

Resources like Agents of Change exist for a reason: to empower every kind of learner. With access to videos, audio lessons, flashcards, practice exams, live study groups, and guided study plans, you can study at your own pace, in your own way, and keep that access until you pass. Whether you thrive in community or need quiet, prefer bite-sized content or deep dives, there’s a flexible path forward that respects your neurodivergence and supports your goals.

So if you’ve been wondering how to study for the ASWB exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety, know this: you’re not broken, you’re not behind, and you’re not alone. You’re building something powerful—your future in Social Work—and every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the impact you’re meant to make. Keep going. You’ve got this.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Neurodivergent? Here’s How to Study for the ASWB Exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety

Neurodivergent? Here’s How to Study for the ASWB Exam with ADHD, Dyslexia, or Anxiety

1) Why Traditional Study Methods Fail Neurodivergent Brains

📚 1. Sitting Still ≠ Learning Better (Especially with ADHD)