ADHD in college...

[Anonymous]

Which schools have supportive environments for students with ADHD?

[Anonymous]

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/342295.page

Some good discussion on this recent thread but not much in the way of actual college recommendations. (We're looking too.)

[Anonymous]

I have a tough time imagining that there are some colleges that are much better at it than others. Most of them offer the same sorts of accomodations (time and a half, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a tough time imagining that there are some colleges that are much better at it than others. Most of them offer the same sorts of accomodations (time and a half, etc.).

Without any evidence, I feel exactly the opposite. I'm imagining a place where kids actually take advantage of the tutoring available, feel free to talk with counselors, where counselors are aware of the strengths/weaknesses of the ADD kid and can help recommend courses and teachers and schedules that would work best. Maybe it's just a fantasy. . . .

[Anonymous]

There are enormous differences. See K&W Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are enormous differences. See K&W Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Thanks. Can anyone offer first hand recs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are enormous differences. See K&W Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Thanks. Can anyone offer first hand recs?

I think that's really difficult as the requirements vary depending on the particular students issues, course of study, etc. Landmark College in VT is supposed to be good for kids with fairly significant issues. I know other kids who are at Ivy League schools and doing fine. So it's a broad range. Mine is at a SLAC and it's okay but most of the challenges are just a function of her LDs, nothing the college can really do about that. It may require a 9th semester to graduate due to dropped classes, language requirements, etc.

I highly recommend talking to a college counselor, especially one who specializes in ADHD students, as they will have a broad based perspective rather than simply experience with one kid at one school.

[Anonymous]

I posted in the other discussion. Without knowing the particulars of your child's case, I'd urge you to just focus on helping your child to know when to ask for help, making lists, etc. I have very severe ADD and had it for years before it was diagnosed. Recently I told my old college friends and asked, "Did you notice I was disorganized?" They all laughed. Yes, of course, and they had been HELPING me through...no accident I married a project manager, either.

If you think about how opposites attract, friendships are formed, etc, it is very likely that your child will end up in a similar situation to mine...with friends who enjoy helping out. I had completely forgotten all of the coping mechanisms I used, but one old friend reminded me that I used to ask him to call and wake me up when I had a test...to keep calling in case I didn't answer or ignored the alarm clock.

Seriously, it takes a village! We all have our issues...i think the worst thing is for a kid to go to college looking for accommodations, because he or she will be unlikely to find them in the workplace. At some point, your child needs to learn to work with the strengths and weaknesses of ADD.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP - Landmark, as a PP suggested, is often mentioned. High Point, is too (but $$$). Drexel is mentioned in the book I recommended at 11:51 so we toured there but DC's anxiety level went way up because it was in the city and the trip jarring. Our big find was George Mason Univ. I can't begin to describe how great its Disability Services office; Learning Center; Writing Center and psychology team have been. I can't tell you if the other VA universities are the same but since they are all state-run, I would assume so. I do know families with LD kids at JMU, Va. Tech., Christopher Newport, UVA and some of the others but haven't compared notes as to how much they accessed special services. Hopefully someone else can chime in. I am SO glad we didn't try DH's or my SLAC - too far away and not worth the money. The first term can be rough; we were very glad to be close at hand.

[Anonymous]

^^ I meant "To OP". I'm 11:51 who recommended the book. We tore through all the books on the market that detail disability services at colleges and universities.