ADHD students thrive in post secondary institution despite learning difficulties

Students and youth who struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are thriving despite their learning difficulties.

People with ADHD may show signs of impulsiveness, trouble focusing and a low frustration tolerance and more. This, accompanied with the sensory issues in more severe cases of ADHD, are the make up of what a person with ADHD deals with day in and day out.

New 2019 Statistics Canada research reported in February suggested that youth who experienced even moderate amounts of hyper-activity-inattention were linked to a significantly lower likelihood of enrolling in post secondary education.

This research also suggested that the proportion of youth enrolled in post secondary education was eight percentage points lower among those with moderate degrees of parents-reported hyperactivity-inattention. 

“ADHD is varied, there is no one specific type, youth who struggle with ADHD are just as capable to go to college as any other student,” said Dr. Cory Saunders, neuropsychologist at Pinnacle Psychology. “Their poor focusing skills are often mistaken for lack of motivation which is not true- they just do not know how to get started, but with the proper amount of structure and support that is tailored to the overall profile of the individual, there should be no reason they can’t thrive in a post secondary environment.”

Stacey Zuiderveen, a mother of an 18-year-old college student with ADHD gave some simple advice on how to work, communicate and assist people with ADHD. 

“Always keep expectations at a level that a child can handle without getting overwhelmed. Children with ADHD just need to be given a direction to start in to succeed,” said Zuiderveen. “ADHD youth will not be able to succeed or attend post secondary education without the support and direction of someone they trust.”

Elizibeth Zangari, graduate of St. Clair College’s early childhood education program, said the only problem with those who struggle with ADHD going into college is the lack of information provided during the period of attending high school. 

“I received tons of support from St.Clair College,” said Zangari. “They were able to lighten my course load, as well as provide other support and devices provided in order for me to succeed.” 

Saunders said ADHD is a difficult disorder to diagnose and treat because every individual is different in terms of difficulties and the extent of those difficulties.