Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Donate
The Post - Athens, OH
The Post
News

University offers services for students with ADD/ADHD

College may be overwhelming for most students, but some face even stiffer challenges in their quest to make the grade.

Though Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, most commonly known as ADD/ADHD, are commonly known for affecting elementary-age students, people college age and older suffer from the disorders as well.

Typically ADD is a chronic condition that's diagnosed in childhood

said Dr. Yegan Pillay, assistant director of Institutional Equity. Increasingly we are finding adult diagnoses.

According to www.tcfn.org/neurocenter/support_groups/aadd.html, adult ADD/ADHD are neurological disorders resulting from biological differences in the parts of the brain associated with paying attention, impulse control and activity levels.

Adult ADD/ADHD consist of symptoms similar to those of child ADD/ADHD. These symptoms range from attention-directing difficulties to deficiencies in workplace organization. Some cases of ADD/ADHD may also result in hyperactivity.

Ohio University Institutional Equity provides services and accommodations for students who have ADD/ADHD. Pillay said students who want to take advantage of the institution's services must register.

In order to register, students must provide medical documentation from a medical professional. Pillay said Institutional Equity also expects, as part of the documentation, recommendations for accommodations in academic settings for patients. He also said that those who register with the program are assured confidentiality.

After students submit the proper documents, they must meet with Pillay for a one-on-one session. Through the sessions, Pillay assesses the students' individual needs and decides upon the appropriate accommodations and services the student might need. Some accommodations include extended time for exams and tests as well as a distraction-free environment for students to take exams.

Institutional Equity also provides special services for those affected by ADD/ADHD, including four-hour tutoring sessions for each of the student's courses through OU's Academic Advancement Center and qualification for priority in scheduling.

Approximately 50 percent of the 526 students registered with Institutional Equity take advantage of the ADD/ADHD services, Pillay said.

Some students take psycho-stimulant medication to help with focusing and concentration

Pillay said. Priority in scheduling helps students schedule classes when their attention and focus is at an optimum.

Cynthia King, director of the Academic Advancement Center, said the services the center provides are not an out-of-pocket expense for students. Tutoring is funded through the center's budget, she said.

I think what we find is when a student has an area they feel weak in

they will come in and seek tutoring

King said. But many students find that they don't need tutoring at all

and they will come in and seek help when needed.

Pillay said many students who were diagnosed as ADD/ADHD during their childhood have already developed methods to compensate for their lack of focus and attentive skills. Many students have developed strategies, such as leaving post-it notes around their room or utilizing a planner. One extreme case resulted in a student setting a timer on his watch for a certain time increment to stay on task, Pillay said.

Students who have a variety of disabilities have to work harder to stay on task

Pillay said. For the most part

students don't take our services for granted.

upport Us
Trending
The Post on
More
Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2016-2025 The Post, Athens OH