AD(H)D
Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a neurological condition which particularly affects the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. It has been estimated that 1% of children in the UK have symptoms of AD(H)D. At present there are no figures for adults but the number of students with the condition is increasing. Adults with AD(H)D often have poor concentration and are easily distracted. They may also have difficulties with time management and organisation and may be restless.
How might this affect my studies?
Having AD(H)D is not related to your intelligence. People with AD(H)D can have great strengths which are valued at university including: being creative and inventive, having high levels of energy, being able to see the "big picture" and being prepared to take risks. However, there is also a risk that poor focus when studying can lead to less good performance and result in students underachieving.
Everyone is different but students with AD(H)D often have problems with:
- concentration in lectures
- being easily distracted when studying
- time management and meeting deadlines
- socialising due to impulsive behaviour
Strategies that may help
Some of the following approaches to studying may be useful:
- Vary your work & keep switching tasks
- Form a study group & discuss work
- Extreme studying: work somewhere really noisy e.g. the library café
- Use your energy creatively
- Work better not longer
- Take regular exercise to reduce the fidgets
- Eat well and stay healthy – avoid sugar (?)
- Try to have a regular routine
The Study Advisers can help students with AD(H)D to develop appropriate strategies for studying and to maximise their achievements.
If you are concerned that you may have AD(H)D but have not yet been assessed:
- Book an appointment to discuss this with one of the University Study Advisers.
New students with AD(H)D
If you have been assessed as having AD(H)D or ADD before starting your course at Reading:
- Make sure the Disability Advisory Service know your situation, and send them a copy of your psychologists' report.
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It may be useful to introduce yourself to the Disability Representative in your School. List of Disability Representatives
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if you wish to discuss special provisions or strategies for study, with a Study Adviser.
Extra equipment or support and the disabled students' allowance
- Students with AD(H)D may be entitled to support from their Local Authority under the Disabled Students Allowance, to pay for specialist equipment such as computers, specialist software and Dictaphones. Sometimes one–to-one tuition can also be funded.
- If you have not already applied for the Disabled Students Allowance, please contact the Disability Advisory Service, who can help you with the application process. More details.
If you are concerned that you may have Asperger Syndrome but have not yet been assessed:
- Make an appointment to discuss this with annabel.avery@reading.ac.uk or k.a.french@reading.ac.uk from the Disability Advisory Service.
For more on this topic, see...
BRAINinHE - a comprehensive website on various specific learning difficulties.
Adders - information and support for people affected by ADD and AD(H)D. Mostly aimed at families but research articles are useful.