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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are characterized by persistent, severe difficulties due to inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness. People with ADHD have many problems in academic settings. Some of these problems are similar to the problems of people with learning disabilities: slow and inefficient reading, slow essay writing, and frequent errors in math calculation and the mechanics of writing. Other problems are especially characteristic of ADHD; students with ADHD often have serious problems with time-management, task-completion, organization, and memory.

For suggestions on working effectively with students who have ADHD, please review our section on learning disabilities as well as the following.

• Students with ADHD generally perform better if given a syllabus with clear explanations of tasks and specific due-dates.
• Whenever possible, start each lecture with a summary of material to be covered and conclude each lecture with a review major points.
• Students with ADHD may tend to "drift" mentally during class, especially during long lectures. They are better able to stay tuned-in when the class material is stimulating and the format varied (for example, lecture alternating with presentations and class discussion). If the class goes on for several hours, be sure to permit several breaks.
• Students with ADHD are often distractible, so you should invite them to sit near the front of the class, away from possible sources of distraction (for example, doors, windows, and noisy heaters).
• Students with ADHD students may miss assignments that are only given orally. When possible, given assignments in written form on handouts, Blackboard, etc.
• When administering an exam, please provide the student with a quiet, distraction-free test-site that is available for the duration of the exam period (rather than moving them from place to place).
• For large projects or long papers, the student may need help breaking down the task into its component parts.
   

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