One of the most unique populations I work with as a therapist are clients diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) who are entering or attending college.  Primarily late adolescents and young adults, they are faced with higher performance expectations and organizational demands, while having to do so with greater autonomy and less supervision and structure provided by others.

    The following things continue to be very important for the college student just as they had been in high school: keeping a list of assignments, tests and due dates; breaking down large projects into smaller parts and spreading the work out over time; developing symbols and shorthand for note taking; determining the best environment and atmosphere for concentration; using outlines to help write papers; taking brief study breaks by doing right brain activities like taking a walk or playing catch; using a squeeze ball or other silent object to help decrease fidgeting in class; and if they are treated with medication, to study before it wears off.

    Students living in dormitory rooms need to have specific places where books, notebooks and fliers are kept.  They need to develop a system for filing papers, and I suggest they have regularly scheduled times to unclutter and reorganize their files.  Using a tape recorder in classes can help with note taking difficulties.  Students who are motivated to read ahead of schedule in classes are less likely to fall behind.  Studying with other students can help the student stay on track and provide additional stimulation to help with focus.  If the student is treated medically, he or she will need to develop a system to remember to take the medication as prescribed.  The student will also need to monitor free time and socializing by reviewing the amount of school work he/she has and setting time limits (and possibly a cell phone alarm) before going out or beginning recreational activities.  Multiple alarm clocks placed around the room can be helpful and sometimes necessary, as many people with ADD struggle to wake up and get out of bed in the morning.

    The student with ADD will likely best succeed in classes that he or she finds interesting (stimulating).  It may be helpful to have periods of time between classes to help the student feel less overwhelmed and be able to discharge energy by walking or playing hacky sack!  Also, if the student is taking medication, it is best that classes are not during times after the medication has worn off.  These are factors to consider when selecting classes.

    A key to success may be accountability; the student finding someone who will check in with him or her regularly to offer encouragement and keep him or her accountable, assuring that regular efforts are made to stay organized, school work is being kept up with, classes are attended regularly and on time, and medication is being taken as prescribed.

    These practical techniques and considerations can help college students with ADD be more successful academically, as well as develop patterns for autonomy, organization, and task completion for the rest of their lives.