Students with Attention Deficit Disorder

Implications of Attention Deficit Disorder in the
Postsecondary Education Setting

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurological disability characterized by difficulties with tasks involving executive function. ADD may impact some or all of the following:

• Planning skills
• Organizational skills
• Selective attention
• Maintenance of attention
• Impulse control

Students with ADD may have difficulty maintaining their attention for a long period of time or "screening out" unimportant stimuli in the environment. These students may also have difficulty keeping up with materials, organizing information in a meaningful way, or planning a project or paper. Attention Deficit Disorder is often treated with stimulant medications but behavioral interventions are also recommended. Students with ADD often benefit from external supports such as the use of day planners or personal digital assistants and coaching. Breaking tasks down into manageable parts is also helpful.