Hello Readers!

For our last blog on ADHD, we are going to talk about the scary process of applying to college. School applications can be daunting for everyone, especially as they are entering a transitional period of their life. Some students with ADHD find the application process particularly challenging because they not only need to find a good fit but also take the time to complete the long process of paperwork and forms. 

The first step in this process is working with your child and the guidance counselor to determine what the student’s needs will be in college. Some students may want to consider which schools offer course work in their field of interest, while others may look at size or extra-curricular activities. Parents may want to consider if their child is ready to live independently away at school or if they may benefit from being close by.

Before students apply to schools, many choose to take the SAT or the ACT.  If your child is not a strong test taker, no need to fear; there are plenty of schools that do not require their test scores. If your child does plan on taking SAT or ACT, it is important to get connected with their school guidance counselor early, so you can apply for testing accommodations. These accommodations look different for everyone, but they may include frequent breaks, extended test time, or even testing in a quiet space. 

So, do you tell  potential colleges that you have ADHD? Before completing the applications, families should determine if they plan to disclose the diagnosis. Many individuals do, and it helps the student better evaluate if the school is a good fit. College can’t deny a student’s application because they have a learning disability, but they may be able to connect the student with resources early in the process.  While they cannot deny the student for this reason, they do not need to adjust their admissions standards. If a student decides to disclose their diagnosis, they should discuss their personal strengths despite having ADHD.

Thanks for reading the ADHD blog series! Stay-tuned next week for our new series with special guest blog writers.

Cheers,

Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS, ADHD-CCSP

As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.

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