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Contact Information

Disability Support Seri vices
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone/Voice: 910.521.6695
Fax: 910.521.6891
TTY: 910.521.6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu

Location: D.F. Lowry Building, Room 111
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College students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ad/hd)

 

What is Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurologically based disorder that impacts upon learning and behavior. Specifically, the disorder may involve attention deficits, impulsivity, hyperactivity, mood swings, low stress tolerance and difficulty in following rules. It is a hidden disability, which often impacts upon an individual's college performance.

What are Common Characteristics of Students with Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Problems with:

  • Concentrating
  • Listening
  • Starting, organizing, and completing tasks
  • Following directions
  • Making transitions
  • Interacting with others
  • Producing work at a consistently normal level
  • Organizing problems that involve multiple steps

Did You Know…

  • According to epidemiological data, approximately 4% to 6% of the US population has ADHD.
  • ADHD usually persists throughout a person's lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of children with ADHD will continue to have significant problems with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as adults.

What are the Documentation Guidelines?

Assessment, and any resulting diagnosis, should consist of and be based on a comprehensive assessment battery that does not rely on any one test or subtest. Both aptitude and academic achievement must be evaluated and included in the test report. See DSS office for documentation guidelines.



How are Accommodations and Support Services Determined?

 

Within 30 days of receiving the diagnostic evaluation or report, DSS will review the need for accommodations and support services based on the individual's disability documentation and disability-based need. DSS will notify the student after determining appropriate accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and university policy.

What are the Typical Accommodations?

  • Note takers
  • Alternative testing
  • Textbooks on tape
  • Computer with speech input
  • Separate testing room
  • Tape recorders

These accommodations are not automatic. Each student must qualify for each accommodation.

Assistive Technology at UNCP

  • Zoomtext
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking
  • Premier Assistive Technology
  • JAWS
  • Kurzweil
  • Inspiration
ADD/ADHD Resources

Publications

  • ADD and the College Student, edited by Patricia O. Quinn, MD, New York : Brunner/ Mazel, 1994.
  • Higher Education Services for Students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities: A Legal Guide, by Patricia H. Latham, JD and Peter S. Latham, JD, Washington, DC:
    NCLLD, 1994.
  • Survival Guide for College Students with ADD OR LD, by
    Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D., New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1994.

National Organizations

  • National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (847) 432-ADDA
  • ADD Action Group (212) 769-2457
  • Children and Adults with ADD (CH. A.D.D.) (301) 306-7070
  • Attention Deficit Information Network (Ad-IN) (617) 455-9895
  • ADD Warehouse (800) 233-9273
  • Center for Mental Health Services (301) 443-2792
  • Council for Exceptional Children (703) 620-3660

Tips for Successful College Experience

  • Continue to educate yourself regarding ADD, strategies, and accommodations that might be useful and legal rights and advocacy techniques.
  • Sit toward the front of the class to help you focus.
  • Use note takers or a tape recorder in classes.
  • Take time to get to know faculty and disability support staff and seek them out to request any assistance you need. Seek help as soon as you experience difficulties.
  • Keep a planner (assignment book or electronic scheduler) in which you record your assignments, due dates for papers and projects, dates of quizzes, and exams.
  • Pick a quiet and comfortable study place (e.g. your room, library or an available classroom), schedule study periods and take frequent breaks to get physical movement and refresh yourself.
  • Set aside 15 minutes at the end of your study time to review where you are on your various projects and to plan the next day.
  • Select courses that are high interest and a good fit for your learning style.
  • Consider taking a reduced course load. If you must take a difficult course, consider taking it during the summer or during a semester in which you have a light load.
  • Try to enroll in morning classes.
  • Break down large tasks into smaller ones.
  • Use color-coding for notes, papers, and texts.
  • Prioritize. Avoid procrastination. Make and stick to deadlines. Think of deadlines as motivational devices.

Links

General Information

Financial Aid and Scholarship Information

 

 

Updated: Tuesday, February 15, 2005

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PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 • 800.949.UNCP (8627) • 910.521.6000