For many high school graduates, the thought of heading off to college brings a high level of excitement over freedom, independence, and finally being able to live on their own. But for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this is not always the case.
In elementary, middle and high schools, students with an ADHD diagnosis are given access to services that help them deal with some of the symptoms of the disorder, but this is not typically the case in college. These students often suffer from a short attention span, and can easily distracted by surrounding noises. They also have difficulty finishing school work and tests in the given time. The state-mandated services offered at most schools allow extra time for these students, and in some cases, individual aids work with students on time management exercises, and how to maximize their efficiency. Many colleges cross the country do not offer these services on campus.
The need for these professionals continues to increase as the number of children diagnosed with ADHD keeps rising, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diagnoses reached at all time high at 11% in 2011. ADHD coaching, and cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD have been some of the most effective treatments for children, as well as medication, but these often have to be monitored by the student once they leave home for college.
The importance of these treatments lies in their effect on a student’s psyche. Since students with ADHD are unable to focus on their tasks, they often fall behind in school, perform poorly on in-school assignments and tests. The result often a combination of anxiety or depression about their condition and performance, causing a level of negative self-perception. This situation can also alter the relationship these students have with their peers, as a CDC study shows that students with ADHD experience three times as many problems with their peers as students who are not diagnosed with the disorder.
With the help of ADHD coaches and professional life coaches, students have been able to regain a sense of confidence in their academic and personal lives. The time management exercises that these coaches implement give students a way to break down their work load into manageable chunks, divide their time efficiently between school work and down time, and also provide ways to remain on task.
For students on their way to college, it would be beneficial to speak with administrators at the school to see if ADHD coaching is available on campus. If not, parents may want to hire an external coaching company to work with their child, at least at the start of his or her college experience. The life skills and time management exercises these professionals offer could make a difference in the student’s performance and level of self-confidence. Refernce materials.
