Characteristics of ADD and ADHD
ADD and ADHD are disabilities that may cause obstacles for you when it comes to studying. You might be easily distracted by external stimuli or by your own thoughts. Maybe you find it difficult to finish things you have started or you may often forget things because you have already moved on to the next task.
When you have ADHD, you probably like to be constantly active, have trouble sitting still and would talk all day long if you could. As a result, it might be challenging to sit still during lectures and listen to what the lecturer is saying. Maybe you tend to do things without thinking them through, blurt out whatever idea comes into your head and have trouble waiting for your turn. This can be a problem in the classroom.
When you have ADD, you are more easily distracted. You may have difficulty with things like finishing tasks you have started and maintaining a clear picture of major and minor issues.
Everyone experiences ADD and ADHD differently, of course, and perhaps you identify with some of these aspects more than others – but in any case, they are factors that can impact your studies. Because ADD and ADHD are officially recognised as disabilities, a variety of adjustments and schemes are available to help you during your studies.
This is what I deal with
Obstacles faced by students with ADD or ADHD
As a student with ADD or ADHD, you may find yourself facing a variety of obstacles.
- Concentration problems. You have a hard time staying focused on a task and are easily distracted. You would like to receive tips and support to help you focus on your classes and successfully complete your assignments.
- Planning and organising. You are not sure where to start and have a hard time planning ahead. You are unsure what you should do when and would like help in this area.
- Difficulty communicating. You struggle to clearly express what you mean and do not always understand what others are saying. This makes it extra difficult for you to cooperate in a group setting.
- Problems with an internship or a job. When you have ADD or ADHD, it can be difficult to find – or keep – an internship or job. Effective communication and solid agreements are important to make this process go smoothly.
- Problems with tests/exams or in class. You find it nearly impossible to sit still and concentrate in class or during a lengthy test or exam. You need adjustments in order to take the test or attend class in a way that works for you.
- Anxiety or stress. You may be scared to present in front of a group or find your degree programme or internship stressful. There are possibilities to help you deal with this more effectively.
- Too much or too little energy. Perhaps you find yourself feeling tired often or sometimes having too much energy. You may encounter obstacles in your studies or internship as a result.
Even though these obstacles may cause difficulties, you can rest assured that more than enough tools and solutions are available that can help you successfully complete your degree programme. In the preceding section, click on the obstacle you are facing with which you could use some help. You can then read a lot more about that topic and find additional tips and tools. If your specific obstacle is not mentioned above, please refer to the comprehensive list of obstacles.
This is what I might need
Support and facilities for students with ADD and ADHD
A variety of adjustments and/or facilities are available that may be helpful to you during your degree programme at a research university or university of applied sciences. While there are national schemes, your educational institution will offer its own forms of additional support, too.
As a student with ADD or ADHD, you might have a need for the following:
- Low-stimulus study area. A low-stimulus study area can offer you a place to work in peace and quiet, where you can complete your assignment with a minimum of distractions.
- Adjusted testing. If you find it difficult to sit a test or exam in a big room with all your fellow students, you can talk to your programme department about the possibilities for adjusted testing.
- Guidance and advice. You might benefit from support in connection with planning and organising your studies. Ask your study adviser about the possibilities for this. Some educational institutions also offer a buddy programme. Your ‘buddy’ – a senior student – will meet with you weekly to help with things like making a study schedule.
Have a look at the other facilities that might be helpful for you, too.
Tips
Do not wait to ask for help
Every student is different, and every individual needs a different type of help. It is important to explore the options and find what works for you. Do not be afraid to ask for help at the first signs of trouble. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength, because it lets others know how much you want to succeed in your degree programme. Talk to a student counsellor for your programme or faculty and ask them about the possibilities available to you. It is a good idea to take a moment first to write down what you need and what kind of support you think would be helpful to you.
Coping with distractions
When you have ADD or ADHD, you have difficulty concentrating and are very easily distracted. This can be very challenging in class, of course, and even worse when taking an exam. Try to find a seat in the lecture hall where you will be exposed to as few distractions as possible. Take a seat in the front row, for example, or ask your lecturer if you can sit at a table in the corner by yourself. Make sure the table/desk in front of you is clear and turn off your phone before entering the classroom. Try to switch off or put away anything that might distract you, and ask others not to talk to your during class. It is very important to tell other people what you need to take part in your class or exam as effectively as possible.
Tips and information on overstimulation
View tips and information (Dutch) on overstimulation in brain disorders here.
Anxiety
Many people with ADHD suffer from anxiety relatively often. Characteristics include avoiding situations that trigger anxiety and may produce negative results. Anxiety can also lead to delaying an action or making a decision. A little anxiety is good. But if you fret too much, it can paralyse you as a person. This can affect your judgement, reduce perspective and lead to awkward thoughts.
You may also have an anxiety disorder as an additional condition with ADHD. An anxiety disorder can lead to compulsions, phobias, trauma, panic attacks, mulling over many issues. It can lead to many thoughts, physical complaints, insomnia, restlessness, feeling overwhelmed.
Practical tips on how to deal with it:
- Don't brood alone. Talk to someone you like or love. Otherwise, you may get into a downward spiral that causes you to think too negatively and see everything bleakly.
- Look for facts. Too often, fretting is a result of insufficient information, misinformation or both.
- Draw up a plan. When you have a plan, you feel less vulnerable which reduces fretting. If the plan doesn't work, adjust it.
Advice for timely diagnosis
If, as a student, you are late in realising that you have ADHD, or perhaps the idea that you have it, contact organisations such as ADHD Central in a timely manner. Take a test and see what the results are. Of course, it would be a shame if you had to quit your education when there might be medical reasons for your moderately good academic results.
Organisations
Hulpwijzer
Through the tool 'Hulpwijzer'[Help Guide], you can find organisations that have expertise on your support needs. Check out the possibilities.
Experience stories
Share and read
- Read here the experience stories of (graduate) mbo students and higher education students
- Share your experience story too. With your experience story, you can give others, such as education professionals and fellow students, an insight into what goes well and what could be better when studying with special needs. A source of inspiration with tips, hints and flops. Together with you, ECIO provides an experience story with impact.