Student Service

ADD/ADHD Fact Sheet

What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are conditions affecting the parts of the brain controlling attention, impulses and concentration. They are thought to be biological conditions, most often inherited. ADD/ADHD tends to develop in childhood but can also be left undiagnosed well into adulthood. Characteristics and impact on learning will differ from person to person.

What are the difficulties associated with ADD/ADHD?

There are 3 core symptoms of ADHD:

  • Hyperactivity – needing to move around, fidgety
  • Impulsivity – answering out of turn, making quick decisions and not always thinking about the consequences
  • Attention problems – difficulties with focusing on one task, easily distracted

A diagnosis of ADD differs from ADHD as there tends not to be any difficulties around hyperactivity.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Appearing forgetful or losing things
  • Having difficulty organising tasks
  • Excessive physical movement
  • Interrupting conversations
  • Poor organisational skills
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Difficulty dealing with stress
  • Excessive daydreaming

Diagnosing ADD/ADHD is usually done by a specialist or psychiatrist following referral from a GP. ADD/ADHD can co-exist with other Specific Learning Difficulties like Dyslexia and conditions such as anxiety, depression and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

How may this impact on academic engagement?

The following are some of the characteristic effects of ADD/ADHD on the learning process.

  • Taking longer to complete tasks such as reading and coursework than other students
  • Difficulties in organising work and other aspects of life
  • A weak perception of time, mixing up dates, times and appointments
  • Poor short-term memory leading to difficulties in carrying out instructions or copying from the board and remembering what has just been read and/or said
  • Getting easily lost and having problems using maps or finding their way to a new place
  • Untidy handwriting with many crossings out
  • Errors when reading and spelling
  • Particular susceptibility to stress which may be associated with deadlines or examinations
  • Lack of confidence

Possible support strategies

The Disability Advisory Service offers advice on individual basis to students regarding support that might be available to them. The information below gives an overview of some areas of support.

  • One to one and group study skills support
  • Marking consideration for coursework and examinations
  • Personalised examination provisions such as extra time
  • Extended loans on library books
  • Access to Assistive software and training
  • Permission to audio record lectures
  • Access to lecture notes and reading lists in advance
  • Assistance with application process for the Disabled Students' Allowance – funding for specialist equipment, non-medical helper support, and general consumables

Accessing support

Before we can put any arrangements in place, the Disability Advisory Service will need to have suitable evidence of your diagnosis to ensure we are advising appropriately. Evidence of ADD/ADHD should be in the form of a letter from your GP, specialist or psychiatrist.

If you think you have any of these difficulties and would like to discuss support options or investigate if you are showing signs of ADD/ADHD, please contact telephone 0207 848 7018 to request an appointment with an adviser.