{"id":12752,"date":"2020-04-20T17:05:48","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T23:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/?p=12752"},"modified":"2020-07-10T13:51:37","modified_gmt":"2020-07-10T19:51:37","slug":"strategies-for-success-and-coping-for-adult-learners-with-adhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/strategies-for-success-and-coping-for-adult-learners-with-adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Learner Strategies for Success and Coping with ADHD"},"content":{"rendered":"

Returning to school as an adult learner often feels like a balancing act. Making time to study while juggling a family and a job is challenging, often requiring strong time management skills and the ability to focus for prolonged periods of time. But when a learning disability like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is added to the mix, the idea of returning to school can change from challenging, to downright stressful.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to diagnostic interview data collected by the <\/span>National Comorbidity Survey Replication<\/span><\/a> (NCS-R), 4.5 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 44 have been diagnosed with ADHD. We know students have questions around the topic, so we decided to speak with a medical professional who could help break down<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>what<\/span>\u00a0ADHD is,<\/span>\u00a0how it affects students, and <\/span>helpful strategies for successful learning with ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We spoke with Jess Farrar, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist <\/span>for the University Neuropsychiatric Institute – YA CAT Program<\/span><\/a>\u00a0a<\/span>t the <\/span>University of Utah<\/span><\/a> to provide us with the medical definition of ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the <\/span>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders<\/span><\/a> (DSM-5) published by the <\/span>American Psychiatric Association,<\/span><\/a> ADHD is defined as \u2018a persistent pattern of inattention and\/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.\u2019 ADHD can be diagnosed through a psychological assessment, with the goal of analyzing which aspects of a per<\/span>son\u2019s functional <\/span>impairment can be attributed to symptoms consistent with ADHD and rule out if there are other contributing factors, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for example,\u201d said Farrar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Farrar shared with us that a clinical interview and neuropsychological testing conducted by a medical professional may be used to help diagnose ADHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s also important to keep in mind that at least one-third of individuals with ADHD also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, mood disorders, problems with sleep, or learning disabilities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

ADHD doesn\u2019t just affect children<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many adults living with ADHD are unaware they have it. They may be aware they have a hard time concentrating or controlling impulses, but they may not realize there are options available to help them succeed in college.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough this disorder originates in childhood, it is chronic and persists throughout a person\u2019s life. While many individuals are diagnosed as children or adolescents, it is not uncommon for it to remain undiagnosed into adulthood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In an effort to help adult learners with ADHD navigate a successful return to college, we spoke with Farrar to understand what the disorder is and provide a few tips for success.<\/span><\/p>\n

How ADHD affects students<\/span><\/h2>\n

Students with ADHD may experience different challenges than their classmates. While there isn\u2019t a \u201cone-size fits all\u201d list of symptoms, Fararr suggested students with ADHD may have difficulty with time management skills, staying organized, and following through on tasks or assignments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSymptoms of ADHD typically impact functioning in the following areas: cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional, and social. Common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n