According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 8 million adult Americans live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or attention deficit disorder.
ADHD can have substantial effects on a student’s life from elementary school and even through college. Coping with the effects of the disorder can become difficult as a person advances socially and mentally.
Trouble focusing in class, taking notes and completing assignments are some of the everyday tasks that may be affected by the disorder. Additional symptoms include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Restlessness
- Impulsivity
- Disorganization
- Low frustration tolerance
- Trouble coping with stress
Marketing senior Dustin Vandenberg explained how ADHD affects his concentration and test-taking.
“ADHD has been an obstacle in my learning career. My biggest issue at UH came with the CASA testing center,” Vandenberg said. ” The tight security, fingerprint scanning and proctors creeping over my shoulder really threw off my concentration. I now take my tests at the Center for Students with DisABILITIES and do much better now.”
From daily planners and calendars to medications, students often make it their personal business to cope with ADHD.
However, in the education environment, it is important for students to communicate with professors in order to manage the effects of the disorder and utilize accommodations.
Additionally, there are resources and services on campus that are available to students with various psychological and physical disorders.
CSD counselor Patricia Aburime explained accommodations that are available to students on campus with ADHD.
“We assist students with tools to approach their instructors if they need accommodations. Many times students are easily distracted during quizzes and exams, and have difficulty completing or focusing in the given amount of time,” said Aburime. “CSD offers individualized accommodations for these students, which can include assistance with notes from instructors, extra testing time and quiet, distraction-reduced testing environments.”
As of October 2013, about one-fourth of all students utilizing services at CSD had ADHD. With two exam rooms and six private testing rooms, CSD testing facilities can significantly reduce stress and distractions.