ADHD in Post-Secondary

Information for Parents

Parents have often had a major role in facilitating, so far, the successes of their child diagnosed with ADHD. Whether a student leaves home or resides at home when they enter post-secondary, parents can have a difficult time knowing how to support their children as they transition to being more independent and as they adjust to the changed demands of a less structured educational setting.

Ready for Take-Off, by Theresa Maitland and Patricia Quinn (Washington: Magination Press, 2011) offers information about normal developmental changes and common challenges, and provides tips for parents on how to respond to their changed roles. The book is written for an American audience but still provides ideas and suggestions that can be helpful in a Canadian context. Similarly, a newer book that might be helpful to share with your child is Patricia Quinn’s 2012 publication: AD/HD and the College Student: The Everything Guide to  Your Most Urgent Questions. It is brief, has clear headings, and touches on key post-secondary experiences.

There are a growing number of resources that directly address parent’s questions. Typing “college” into the search bar in the online magazine ADDitude will bring up several articles targeting parents. As well, chapter 6 in the 2018 book ADHD: The College Experience: How to stop blaming yourself, work with your strengths, succeed in college, and reach your potential published by Abe Books is dedicated to parents.

New students may be hesitant to seek support in an effort to be like everyone else. While “you should” is often not well received, “wow, I saw that MRU has [this resource]” may be more welcome. In this way you can let them know that a counsellor is available if they run into difficulties. They can also book an appointment with an access advisor using the online form. Both of these resources can support them with what can be a challenging transition.