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Get a professional
diagnosis and ask for information about the disorder. Attention
Deficit Disorder represents a real challenge for college
students. |
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Develop a close connection with a
physician, a psychologist, and other qualified professionals. A
professional can answer your questions and inform you of any
progress in the treatments for ADD. |
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Educate yourself. Read books and
other educational material about ADD. Learn from other ADD persons
and share your experiences with them. |
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Educate your family. The more your
family understands ADD the better they will be able to understand
and help you. |
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Join a support group. Connect with
national and local organizations for children and adults with
Attention Deficit Disorder. This will give you an outlet to relieve
stress while at the same time learning ways to help yourself deal
with ADD. |
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Have a positive attitude. Encourage
yourself to overcome ADD challenges on a daily
basis. |
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Practice smart scheduling. Schedule
your classes to fit your personal characteristics. If you are more
motivated in the morning sign up for morning classes or if you are
more motivated in the afternoon sign up for afternoon
classes. |
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Consider scheduling a break between
classes so that you can get outside for awhile or clear your mind
before your next class. |
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Set goals for yourself. Write down
short-term and long-term goals and keep them some place you can look
at them daily. This will help you stay focused. Reward yourself when
you achieve your goals. |
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Manage your time wisely. Keep daily
to-do lists visible throughout the day and try to maintain a
consistent schedule. |
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Follow a daily routine. It will be
easier to deal with ADD on a daily basis if your routine is clear
and consistent. |
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Use bite-size tasks. Break up
lengthy assignments into smaller portions. Larger assignments seem
impossible for ADD persons. If they are broken down into manageable
portions you can set realistic goals for completion. Provide short
breaks as goals are completed. |
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Monitor your progress. Keep daily
records of school homework, grades, and attendance. Ask for help in
taking corrective measures in problem areas. Reward yourself for
jobs well done. |
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Take care of yourself. By maintaining
the proper balance of exercise, rest, and a good diet you will be
more in control of your ADD. |
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Discourage negative self-talk.
Talking down to yourself will only make matters worse. It will also
prevent you from learning from your failures. Change your
perspective on problems. Treat problems as challenges to be
met. |
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Learn how to control your emotions.
Depression, low self-esteem, discouragement, and anger can overwhelm
students with ADD. Be prepared with coping strategies to deal with
negative emotions. |
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Participate in rewarding activities that
will boost your self-esteem and confidence level. In other words,
spend a good amount of time on positive things at which you are good. |
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Take advantage of your resources.
Talk to your counselors and professors. They are there to help
you. |
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Contact your campus Counseling Center. Professional
counselors can help you in your battle with ADD. Through confidential
sessions the counselors will help you set goals, manage your time,
and cope with everyday college life. |
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Meet with the director of Students Challenged
with Disabilities on your campus. Ask for reasonable accommodations
to meet your ADD needs. |
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Meet with your professors and
inform them of your ADD. Ask them to help you achieve success in
the class to the best of your potential. |
