ADH(D)

Student Support & Wellbeing Home Page

AD(H)D

What is AD(H)D?

Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder is a neurological condition which affects concentration. People with AD(H)D often find themselves restless, fidgety and easily distracted. Some people with the condition also experience hyperactivity, but for others it is almost solely about concentration. AD(H)D can occur alongside specific learning differences such as dyslexia, but may also occur on its own.

  • Managing your time and meeting deadlines is likely to be a struggle.
  • You might lose concentration easily in lectures and get distracted when studying.
  • You may take risks and worry about the consequences afterwards.
  • Life in student accommodation may be distracting: many students with AD(H)D find it hard to say no to socialising when they need to study due to being impulsive and full of energy.
  • Your written work may go off on tangents as you lose focus on the original task.
  • You might be fidgety or restless. In lectures you might daydream, fiddle with your phone, doodle, or repeatedly click, tap or shuffle.
  • Many people with AD(H)D are creative and inventive, coming up with solutions that might be overlooked by other people.
  • It may be helpful to look at past examples of assignments in order to visualise the “big picture” when beginning an assignment – this will help you focus on the task itself rather than getting side­-tracked.
  • Learning how to manage your time effectively is important. This guide offers helpful advice: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/media/departments/lis/skills/study-guides/LS008-Guide-to-Time-Management.pdf
  • Vary your work and switch between written and practical work when possible.
  • Exercise to reduce the urge to fidget and daydream.
  • Work in short bursts with regular breaks.
  • Work somewhere noisy or where you can talk out loud as you work.
  • Discussing ideas can help you structure them before you write them down – working in a group or with a friend can help.
  • Technology-based solutions can be very effective, particularly software to help with mind mapping. Alarms and reminders on mobile devices can be useful to alert you when it’s time to change activity.
  • Some people with AD(H)D find that eating healthily and controlling their intake of processed foods helps them to manage the condition.
  • Establishing a routine is likely to be difficult if you are naturally impulsive, but if you can develop a routine this will help.
  • The University may be able to provide reasonable adjustments for exams such as extra time, a separate room and rest breaks.
  • The following website has useful information and advice about AD(H)D: https://www.ukaan.org/what-are-the-symptoms.htm
  • Diagnosis is usually via GP referral.