ADHD is a challenging condition, but college students may have access to accommodations that make it simpler for them to excel in their studies. Right now, it’s estimated that 2 to 8% of college students in America live with ADHD. This condition can be challenging to manage as it negatively impacts certain executive functions, including time management, organization, and concentration. Starting major projects and hitting deadlines could be daunting to a person with ADHD, and test-taking might also cause anxiety.
Fortunately, many colleges are sensitive to this issue. Many of them provide accommodations for college students with ADHD, which help to ease their symptoms so they can do their best. If you’re curious about what schools offer to students who have ADHD, this comprehensive guide will provide answers. It’s packed with valuable information.
Understanding ADHD Accommodations in Higher Educatio
ADHD accommodations in college are adjustments to policies or environments that make it easier for students with ADHD to succeed. They are tailored supports for ADHD that help students to manage attention span, impulsiveness, and organization. Federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensure that colleges receiving federal funding must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students, thereby ensuring equal access to education. However, to benefit from accommodations, students need to provide official documentation of the disability and a clear demonstration of how ADHD significantly impacts their learning.
Classroom and Lecture Accommodations
Accommodations in the classroom often include:
- Being prioritized for registration
- Access to seating in areas with less distractions
- Permission to record lectures
- Access to lecture videos, alternative formats, or subtitles that can be used to review information outside of class
- Fewer courses to help students manage their workloads
- Support with note-taking, via a designated note-taker, or digital tools for students who have trouble writing and listening simultaneously
- Breaks so they can move around
- More check-ins with teachers than non-ADHD students get
- Permission to use assistive technologies, including laptops or tablets, to organize information and enhance focus
Testing and Examination Accommodations
Testing accommodations are among the most commonly requested supports for college students. These include:
- More time to complete tests and exams
- Access to a quiet testing environment or a separate room without distractions
- Alternative test formats such as oral exams or computer-based testing
- Option to use noise-canceling headphones to stay focused
Some colleges allow students to take breaks during timed exams or complete them in multiple shorter test sessions.
Technology-Based Accommodations
The right assistive technology is essential. It can make life easier for you at college. For example, with the help of technology, you can track your future assignments and access information about deadlines. Some of these helping tools have annotation and highlighting features that make active reading simpler.
- Speech-to-text software
- Organizational apps
- Digital planners.
- Electronic textbooks
- Audio recordings
Housing and Campus Life Accommodations
Colleges may provide accommodations in housing to minimize distractions and improve rest.
- Single rooms, quiet or pod-style dormitories, or substance-free housing options are common
- Early registration for classes and flexible attendance policies to help manage the demands of college life
- Quiet study areas for staying on track
- Access to a school counselor to discuss any additional needs
Step-by-Step Process to Request Accommodations
Here’s how to take advantage of college accommodations for students with ADHD.
- Get an official ADHD diagnosis from a doctor—one that’s supported by recent evaluations. Past Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans help but may require recent updates, including your high school IEP or 504 plan, medical forms, and any psychological evaluations.
- Contact your college’s disability or accessibility services office, submit your documentation, and complete their accommodation application. Setting up an appointment ahead of time can be helpful.
- Meet with an accessibility counselor to discuss your needs and recommended accommodations (tailored to your academic program).
- Once approved, counselors will communicate your accommodations to your professors and instructors confidentially.
- Review your accommodations regularly to make sure they’re still working and adjust them as needed. Continue to speak to your professors throughout the semester—self-advocacy is the key to accessing ongoing support.
Tips for Effective Communication with Professors and Staff
It’s important to reach out to college staff and professors, as building these connections can help you to do better in school. When you advocate for yourself by sharing information about what you need as a student with ADHD, it will make a world of difference. By doing so, you’ll boost of odds of accessing accommodations that deliver good results.
Also, when problems crop up, being able to share your issues with authority figures will make it easier to find solutions. Begin early, at the start of a semester, and make sure you and college staff agree on your accommodations. Making specific requests is recommended.
As you go along, keep records of your interactions. For example, if your accommodations are approved, make sure you keep any documentation related to that. As well, don’t delete your emails with college staff, including professors. Make sure there’s a record of everything pertaining to your ADHD and college education. Additionally, you should ask for feedback regularly. Checking in to see how you’re doing at regular intervals is the safest way to navigate.
If you find that you’re having a hard time getting your accommodations approved, it’s important to speak out, but this should be done respectfully. Talk to a representative at the disability services office or chat with an academic advisor. Another option is reaching out to a NeuroHealth Arlington Heights worker, who can help by offering advocacy support.
Contact NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights for Assistance
Getting the right accommodations in college may feel tricky at times. Fortunately, NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights is able to help. Our compassionate and experienced team members are standing by to help you in so many important ways. We can offer assistance with obtaining a diagnosis, accessing the necessary paperwork, and connecting you with the appropriate school resources. Our experienced team supports students with ADHD in college and beyond, making sure they receive the tools and educational advocacy services needed for academic and personal success. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Image by Leon Wu is licensed with Unsplash License