Following are some typical characteristics of persons with AD/HD.

This is only a partial

list, and not meant to be diagnostic:

Often seems inattentive to details, makes frequent

errors in school work

Has difficulty sustaining attention

May seem not to listen when spoken to directly

Difficulty with "following through"/ fails to complete

tasks

Has trouble organizing tasks and activities

Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort

Loses things necessary for tasks

Is easily distracted by the environment

Frequently forgets appointments or other daily

activities

Fidgets or squirms restlessly

Inability to engage in leisure activities quietly

Is always "on the go"

Talks excessively

Blurts out answers before questions are completed

Often interrupts or intrudes on others

As the public and professional awareness of AD/HD increases, the number of students who have
been identified and treated for this disability is increasing. AD/HD often appears with
other neuro-biological disabilities. Like other students with disabilities, those with AD/HD
may have frequently been misunderstood. They often try to control their symptoms and appear
as if they have no disability. To avoid being embarrassed, they try to keep up with everyone
else. This can cause poor academic performance, low self-esteem, difficulty in relationships
with peers, depression and/or anxiety, substance abuse, and procrastination.
New students have a great deal of anxiety regarding increased expectations at the
post-secondary level. Some externalize this anxiety by expressing frustration and blaming
problems on faculty or advisors. They often have difficulty with change, complex procedures
and understanding rules.
Suggested Modifications for Students with AD/HD Disabilities

1. Extended time and/or private room for exams.

2. Use of a computer or word processor for written work and personal organization.
3. Permission to tape record lectures.
4. Eligibility on a case-by-case basis, for a course substitution from an approved list of courses.
5. Use of a calculator, spellers dictionary, proofreader and/or word processing equipment.
6. Use of a note taker based on their inability to concentrate on listening and simultaneously taking
notes.
7. Ability to receive textbooks on tape.
8. Allowing the student to sit up front in the classroom.
9. Clear course syllabi with information about course content, work expectations and definitive time
lines for when work is due.
10. Use of visual references for auditory instructions such as writing instructions on the blackboard
and giving verbal directions.
11. Making eye contact with the student before calling on him/her or giving instructions.
12. Prompt, explicit feedback, both written and oral.
13. Use of multi-media presentations.
14. Technological tools that assist in compensation for problems with organization that include:
personal organizers, tape players and time management training.
Additional accommodations may include those listed for students with learning disabilities.