Self-Advocacy and Perceptions of College Readiness Among Students with ADHD

This study examined issues related to college adjustment and self-advocacy from the perspective of students diagnosed with a primarily inattentive presentation of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) who were unable to meet minimum academic expectations in their first attempt at college. Data were gathered from 12 students with ADHD who, in spite of above average intelligence, had difficulties accessing appropriate sources of support and/ or meeting the demands of the traditional colleges/universities they attended prior to enrolling in a small, private college for students with specific learning disabilities and/or ADHD. During semi-structured interviews, students were asked to share their perceptions of (1) the impact of ADHD on their experiences interacting with others and advocating for themselves in educational, work, and social settings; (2) how other people in society view ADHD and methods the students had used to cope with this disorder; and (3) interventions that had helped or hindered their efforts to adjust to the demands of college and advocate for themselves effectively. Their comments suggested several areas of difficulty including shame, avoidance to cope with distress, lack of understanding regarding the impact of ADHD, and poor awareness of available support for related difficulties. Implications for service providers and faculty are discussed.