New Guide for Students with ADHD entering Third level Education
Posted on: 02 October 2009
Catering for the increasing numbers of students disclosing ADHD on their CAO forms, a new guide for students with ADHD who are considering third level education was launched earlier this month, to mark National ADHD Awareness Week (21-25th September). Entitled ‘HADD Guide for 3rd Level Students with ADHD: Preparing Students and Parents for 3rd Level’, the book is aimed at providing support and guidance for students and their parents in planning their entry to college.
The book, developed by Declan Reilly, Disability Officer at Trinity College Dublin, was supported by ADHD ACTION in collaboration with HADD (Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder Family Support Group) and INCADDS (Irish National Council of ADHD Support Groups) to mark Irish National ADHD Awareness Week. It contains detailed chapters on choosing the right course, applying through the CAO, admissions and services, financial assistance and gives advice on the transition from second to third level for both parents and students.
The focus of National ADHD Awareness Week 2009 was on improving services and supports for students with ADHD. ADHD ACTION hopes that the awareness week, together with the publication of the book, will make third level education a more accessible and less daunting prospect. “Although they are increasing, the numbers of students with ADHD embarking on third level education remains very low, as a result of poor availability of information and services to those students”, said Stephanie Mahony, Chairperson of HADD (Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder Family Support Group) & member of ADHD ACTION. “Our aim this year was to demonstrate that third level education is a realistic option for these students, and to provide as much information and support to encourage them to consider it'”, Ms Mahony said.
Results from a recent European survey, ‘Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Europe: Differences, Problems and Progress’ published earlier this year, throw light on some of the possible causes behind the low numbers of students attending third level colleges. On average in Ireland, teachers’ knowledge of ADHD remains low with attitudes to teaching pupils with ADHD at similar levels. Commenting on the survey results, Professor Michael Fitzgerald, Professor of Child Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin and chairman of ADHD ACTION said: “There is a very definite need for more preparation to be done at secondary level for both teachers and students. Teachers need to be educated more about ADHD to generate a more positive attitude towards students and students need to be encouraged to strive for university places like the rest of their colleagues. He continued on to say, “the numbers of students with ADHD entering third level will only increase if we are all aware of the barriers and have the tools and the knowledge to overcome them”‘
ADHD is a neurobiological condition affecting 3-7% of school children, roughly two children in every classroom.3 The core symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness which are not in keeping with those of the same age group and development level.3 For example, a child with ADHD is easily distracted, finds it difficult to complete tasks and has difficulty returning to the task, if distracted. He or she may also act impulsively, move and speak rapidly and excessively, and may often respond or act inappropriately, without thinking.3 ADHD is highly hereditary.3
ADHD ACTION is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Eli Lilly & Co (Ireland) Ltd.
To order a copy of The HADD Guide for 3rd Level Students with ADHD: Preparing Students and Parents for 3rd Level, please contact info@hadd.ie
To order a copy of the ADHD Europe survey, Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD in Europe: Differences, Problems and Progress, please contact info@adhdeurope.eu