In a few short weeks, students will be heading off to college.
College can present a significant challenge for students who have ADHD, executive function challenges, or other organization issues. Students may struggle with…
- Organizing coursework
- Prioritizing tasks
- Managing their time
- Staying focused
- Avoiding procrastination
It is very important for college students to address these issues from the moment they arrive on campus. Students often underestimate the speed at which things can go awry when ADHD and executive function challenges get in the way. ADHD coaching can help students get on the path to success.
When an ADHD student is headed off to college, it is important to make sure that they have the support and resources that they will need to succeed. A good place to start is with the college’s Office of Disability (or Special) Services. Students should apply for academic accommodations through this office. Accommodations, such as receiving extended time, preferential seating in the front of the class to minimize distractions, among others, provide many students with ADHD with the support that they need to succeed.
Sometimes it may seem as though a student’s accommodations are not helping them succeed. However, students with ADHD or executive functioning challenges may find it difficult to develop a system for using their accommodations because of their organization and time management difficulties.
Although most Office of Disability Services tell students that they will alert professors of the student’s accommodations, this is not always the case. Regardless of what the Office of Disability Services says, students should ALWAYS individually communicate their accommodations with each of their professors. For example, when a student has an accommodation that allows for them to receive extra time on exams, it is incumbent upon the student to communicate this accommodation to the professor well ahead of time, and schedule when and where they are going to use their extra time. Specifically, are they going to start the test early or are they going to stay after the test to use their extra time? Also, if they are starting the test early or staying after to finish the test, where are they going to take the test? Will they be taking the test in the same room as the other students in the class? If so, will it be distracting or maybe even embarrassing for you if other students are coming in or leaving the room while you are still taking the test? For an ADHD student who may struggle with organization and time management, the idea of self-advocacy and even considering these questions may be extremely overwhelming. An ADHD coach can help the student develop a system that will make the accommodations most effective for them.
ADHD and executive function coaching uses goal setting and action plans to help the student build an arsenal of techniques that will lead to success in college. In coaching, the student and the coach work together to develop a plan that is customized to the individual needs.
Coaching is a proven method of support for students who have ADHD and executive function challenges. A number of recent studies have shown that ADHD coaching has a positive effect on study and in study and learning behaviors, self-esteem, and self-regulation.
ADHD and executive function coaching is not therapy and it is not tutoring. Instead, it is a process whereby the coach and student work together to develop strategies that are reasonable and doable. The coach’s responsibility is to provide an encouraging and safe environment whereby the student can develop goals. A coach acknowledges and respects the student’s work while supporting the student’s decisions.
ADHD and executive function coaching can provide your child with the techniques, strategies, and confidence to allow for them to be successful in college. If you would like to learn more about ADHD coaching, let’s have a conversation. Contact me here.