College and ADHD

College and ADHD

What happens when a college student is diagnosed with ADHD? How can that student receive the help she needs to be successful in her college classes? Where can she turn for assistance?

Start by contacting the college Students With Disabilities office. Ask the people in this office what the protocol is for students who attend that college who also have been diagnosed with ADHD? The Students With Disabilities office should be able to guide you in what services are available for the student with ADHD.

The student also needs to know that at college, she needs to be her biggest advocate. A student with ADHD has many opportunities for assistance in college, she may need to be sure to help herself.

A student should accommodate herself, in order to learn in a way that works for her. Students with ADHD can tape record classes, or ask the professor for copies of each lecture. The student can then receive the copy of the lecture and listen to it in a quiet environment, such as her dorm room. This also allows for the student to listen to the tapes, and take frequent movement breaks without ever missing any of the lecture.

Students with ADHD should try to utilize assisted technology as often as possible. Computers, graphic organizers, outlines, etc. should all be available on computer programs. These types of services often allow for easier learning for the student with ADHD.

College students with ADHD should also have a coach or, mentor that will continuously check in on her to monitor academic progress, make sure things are organized and to make sure the student is not struggling. A coach can be a friend who is aware of the ADHD, a relative, or someone the college recommends to the student.

Medications are also available for college students with ADHD. If the student does feel that her ADHD is interfering with her learning, she can see a doctor for medication interventions if appropriate.