ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour.
The main characteristics are:
Inattention like differences in focus, processing information and engaging in tasks, poor concentration, being easily distracted, procrastination, and difficulty organising and finishing tasks.
Hyperactivity for example restlessness, fidgeting, tapping or being over-talkative.
Impulsivity such as speaking or acting without thinking and interrupting others.
People with ADHD are often curious, creative and enthusiastic people who may be very inventive, willing to take risks and able to hyperfocus. There is a lot to love about ADHD.
Medication may help manage the condition, but adult ADHD often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It may also co-occur with other learning differences and mental health conditions. You can find out more about common ADHD overlaps here.
Common learning challenges faced by students with ADHD
Students with ADHD can experience some of the following difficulties during their studies:
- Putting off study tasks (such as written assignments) until the last minute and falling behind with work.
- Forgetting tasks, appointments and items (keys, equipment, books, etc.).
- Difficulty organising work, time and ideas.
- ‘Zoning out’ in lectures and missing important information.
- Restlessness and fidgeting, especially during lectures.
- Problems with timekeeping and attendance.
- Difficulty waiting their turn and contributing to group discussions.
- Poor emotional wellbeing, which can impact social relationships.
- Depression and poor self-esteem, which can affect motivation to study.
See Explaining ADHD to Teachers for some other challenges.
