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Table 9 Potential education related problems and reasonable adjustments

From: University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN)

Potential education related problems due to

Potential reasonable adjustment

Mind wandering (daydreaming, intrusive task-unrelated thoughts)

25–50% extra writing time in examinations

Poor working memory (may need more time more time to process information and/or to understand complex conceptual ideas)

25–50% extra writing time in examinations, separate room for writing examinations

Disorganisation and inefficiency

Academic coaching, being invigilated in an examination by a support worker familiar with ADHD

Difficulties with planning ahead, misjudging how long tasks take to perform (different conception of time)

25–50% extra writing time in examinations, flexible start times for an examination

Procrastination/ waiting until the “last minute” to submit work, “pulling all-nighters” (may need more time to complete tasks)

Academic coaching/ specialist mentoring, 10 to 20 min of a rest break during examinations

Forgetfulness (losing things needed for university e.g., student ID card, missing lectures, classes, or appointments)

Having the ability to negotiate extensions to deadlines for assignments/ course work

Difficulty sustaining attention (especially when bored, not engaged, or not stimulated)

Academic coaching/ specialist mentoring, the ability to study part-time or to defer examinations

Difficulties following long explanations, note taking, or reading a lot

Academic coaching/ specialist one-to-one study skills support or subject specific support

Hyper-focus on topics of self-interest to the detriment of other topics and tasks

Academic coaching/ specialist one-to-one study skills support, subject specific support