Podcast Summary
Living with ADHD: Sharing Experiences and Finding Support: Discovering the importance of acknowledging and addressing the challenges of living with ADHD, and the support and understanding that can be found in a community of like-minded individuals.
The discussion between James, Alex, and Sam touched on various topics related to their personal experiences and the challenges they face in their daily lives, including anxiety, higher education, and the impact of ADHD. James shared his recent experience with anxiety and how he discovered that not taking his full medication dose was a contributing factor. Alex and Sam offered their support and understanding, acknowledging their own struggles with ADHD and the exhaustion that comes with masking and gaslighting loved ones. A listener named Claire also shared her experience of seeking a diagnosis and the emotional toll it took on her relationships. The conversation highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing the challenges of living with ADHD, and the support and understanding that can be found in a community of like-minded individuals.
Challenges and potential in higher education for individuals with ADHD: Intelligence levels are similar between those with and without ADHD, acceptance, self-expression, community, and understanding complexities are key, unique strengths and talents should be recognized and embraced.
Higher education and ADHD can present unique challenges, but individuals with ADHD have immense creativity and potential. Despite common beliefs, intelligence levels do not differ significantly between those with and without ADHD. The discussion also touched upon the importance of acceptance, self-expression, and community in processing personal experiences and emotions. The group shared their personal stories and insights, and looked forward to discussing the topic further in their podcast. They emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of ADHD and higher education, and encouraged open dialogue and support for those navigating these experiences. Additionally, they highlighted the significance of recognizing and embracing the unique strengths and talents of individuals with ADHD.
Challenges for adults with ADHD in higher education: Adults with ADHD face significant challenges in higher education, including lower attendance, grades, and graduation rates, and a greater need for support. Despite diagnosed, treated, and supported, they are only 45% likely to utilize available accommodations due to stigma, self-esteem, administrative hurdles, and fear of disclosure.
Adults with ADHD can have comparable academic experiences to anyone else with the right support, but the reality is more complex. Despite having the intellect for university-level studies, adults with ADHD face various challenges, including lower university attendance rates, lower grades, higher dropout rates, and a greater need for support. These issues persist even when diagnosed, treated, and supported. The university system, designed primarily for neurotypical learners, can be a barrier for neurodivergent individuals, and accessing available support is not universal. Adults with ADHD who do access support are still only 45% likely to utilize it. The reasons for this include stigma, self-esteem issues, administrative hurdles, and fear of disclosing a diagnosis. Ultimately, while it's frustrating that adults with ADHD face these challenges, it's essential to understand the systemic barriers and work towards making accommodations more accessible and universally available.
Supporting Students with ADHD in University: Universities should educate, provide support, and prioritize the well-being of students with ADHD, recognizing unique challenges and considering coexisting conditions.
Universities need to provide better support for students with ADHD, recognizing the unique challenges they face in an academic setting. The core diagnostic criteria of ADHD align with common struggles for students with ADHD at university, such as sitting still, making careless mistakes, and emotional dysregulation. The current assessment methods and lack of control over assessment methods make it difficult for students with ADHD to succeed. Extended time for exams may not be effective for all students, and ambiguous questions can add to the stress. Universities should educate students and staff about ADHD, provide support without requiring a diagnosis, and consider coexisting conditions. It's essential to prioritize the well-being of students with ADHD, as their support will ultimately benefit the entire academic community.
Supporting students with ADHD in higher education: It's not just about being right: Consider a multimodal approach with personalized interventions, timely access to treatment, reasonable adjustments, and general educational support for students with ADHD in higher education.
While the customer is always right in theory, in the context of supporting students with ADHD in higher education, it's essential to remember that this applies only to matters of taste and not to everything else. The consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network suggests a multimodal approach with personalized interventions, timely access to treatment, reasonable adjustments, and general educational support. When it comes to our personal experiences, those with ADHD may have nonlinear paths into higher education and struggle with certain modules or areas that aren't rewarding. It's crucial to ask the individual student what might help and adapt to their needs, moving away from the learning disability model towards personalized interventions. This approach can lead to better academic success and overall well-being for students with ADHD.
The Challenges of Educational Experiences for Individuals with ADHD: Individuals with ADHD face unique challenges in education, including difficulty engaging with uninteresting subjects and a lack of proper support. Recognizing and addressing these needs can help students with ADHD succeed.
The educational experience for individuals with ADHD can be significantly different and challenging, especially when they encounter subjects that don't engage them or when they lack proper support. The speaker, who has ADHD, shared their own experiences of struggling as a student, feeling misunderstood, and being labeled negatively for trying to make lectures interesting. As an academic, they faced additional challenges in delivering engaging content through a computer screen during lockdown. However, they also shared how they found support and connection with other students with ADHD, and how their experiences led them to advocate for better understanding and support for individuals with ADHD in education. Ultimately, the speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique needs of students with ADHD to help them succeed in their academic journeys.
Choosing the right subject and receiving support are crucial for students with ADHD: Students with ADHD should choose subjects that align with their interests and receive proper support from universities to succeed in higher education.
Choosing the right subject and receiving proper support are crucial for students with ADHD in higher education. The speaker shared their personal experience of struggling in academia due to undiagnosed ADHD and the lack of understanding from lecturers and tutors. They emphasized the importance of pursuing a subject that is rewarding and aligns with one's interests. The speaker also highlighted the importance of communication and clear expectations from universities to support students with ADHD. They shared how their experience changed when they declared their ADHD and received assistance from a disability team. The speaker concluded by advising future students to choose their subjects wisely and not be pressured into careers or subjects that may not suit them. They also emphasized the importance of universities providing clear communication and expectations to support students with ADHD.
Flexible virtual workshops for students with ADHD at Aston University: Aston University offers accommodations like slides before lectures, longer breaks, and the option to switch off cameras for students with ADHD to create a more inclusive learning environment, reducing stress and negative impact on emotional and physical health.
Aston University, in partnership with Raise The Bar, offers flexible virtual workshops for students with ADHD. This includes providing slides before lectures, longer breaks, and the option to switch off cameras and microphones for personal breaks. The university's inclusion team also provides support, including funding for diagnoses. Many adults with ADHD struggle with the pressure of deadlines and assessments, which can lead to self-esteem issues and negative self-talk. The virtual workshops aim to alleviate these stressors and provide a more inclusive learning environment. The discussion also highlighted the common experience of adults with ADHD feeling overwhelmed by assessments and the negative impact it can have on their emotional and physical health. The flexibility and accommodations offered by Aston University can help alleviate these challenges and make higher education more accessible for individuals with ADHD.
Learning for personal interest and helping others: Effective learning occurs when motivated by genuine interest and a desire to help, leading to deeper understanding, increased self-esteem, and a more enjoyable experience.
Learning is more effective when it's done for personal interest and to help others, rather than just for qualifications or exams. The speakers in this conversation shared their experiences of finding that they learned more deeply and retained information better when they were motivated by a genuine desire to understand a subject and to use that knowledge to benefit themselves and others. They also mentioned that people often learn more vocationally and actively when they're learning for a purpose, which can boost self-esteem and make the learning process more enjoyable. The speakers also shared some amusing anecdotes about making mistakes while buying guitar equipment, but the overall message was that learning is a valuable and rewarding experience that can bring joy and satisfaction, even if it doesn't always lead to a formal qualification.
Learning Styles Myth: Humans have diverse learning preferences, but no single style is superior. Engage actively with new information to learn effectively.
The concept of learning styles being a definitive way to understand how we learn is a myth. According to the discussion in the podcast, humans have various learning preferences, but we all use multiple methods to learn at different times and in different contexts. The idea that one style is superior to another or that it can be definitively determined is not supported by research. This misconception can lead people to doubt their abilities and prevent them from trying new things or continuing their education. It's important to remember that learning is a complex process, and we all have the capacity to learn in various ways. Confucius' quote "Do and understand" emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with new information to truly learn it.
Effective learning technique for ADHD: Chanting: Chanting can help individuals with ADHD memorize information effectively. Students with ADHD seeking assistance with university fees related to their condition should explore various resources and options beyond Disabled Students Allowance for necessary accommodations.
Memorizing information through chanting can be an effective learning technique for individuals with ADHD. James shared an example of his instructor helping him remember concepts by creating a personalized chant. This method can be particularly useful for students seeking assistance with university fees related to their ADHD, as Disabled Students Allowance primarily focuses on providing extra funds for necessary accommodations rather than fee coverage. It's essential to understand the specific accommodations universities have offered to students in the past to determine what might be helpful. While some students may be able to get referred for assessments through their university's student support services or occupational health, the process can be lengthy and costly. Therefore, it's crucial to explore various resources and options to best support students with ADHD throughout their academic journey.
Navigating ADHD assessments and medications through education psychologists and GPs: Education psychologists can provide valuable support and even prescribe medication for ADHD. Self-advocacy is crucial in navigating the process, and seeking alternative assessments can be beneficial. Remember, every individual's experience with ADHD is unique, so explore various resources and approaches to find what works best.
While assessments and diagnoses for ADHD often don't come from traditional medical sources within the NHS, they can still be valuable and effective. Education psychologists, though not doctors, can provide crucial support and even prescribe medication. However, navigating the process of obtaining these assessments and medications through shared care with a GP can be challenging. It's essential to advocate for yourself and ask for accommodations, such as alternative assessments, which can be incredibly beneficial. These adjustments, like guided breaks or open-book exams, can help alleviate the stress and distractions common with ADHD, allowing for a more level playing field in academic settings. Remember, every individual's experience with ADHD is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Be open to exploring various resources and approaches to find what is most effective for you. Additionally, it's important to note that not all academics may be receptive to setting up alternative assessments due to their workload during exam periods. However, the benefits of these assessments make them worth pursuing.
Addressing challenges for individuals with ADHD: Creating a supportive environment is crucial for individuals with ADHD to address challenges in education and work, including taking exams during freshers week and dealing with physiological needs in public places. Respecting privacy is essential in creating an inclusive environment.
While there are measures in place to support individuals with disabilities in education and work environments, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, some people with ADHD might struggle with taking exams during their freshers week or dealing with their physiological needs like pooping in public places due to anxiety. These issues might seem trivial, but they can significantly impact an individual's learning experience and overall well-being. The conversation also touched upon the importance of respecting people's privacy, especially when it comes to using the restroom. It's crucial to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs and addressing any challenges they face.
