Text: Terhi Kylliäinen, Noora Nikula, Anna-Elina Sirkka, Siiri Vatanen
As the world becomes more aware of the complexities of the human brain, students in higher education with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are increasingly finding themselves receiving the help and support they need to navigate the demands of student life. Laurea University of Applied Sciences is one of many institutions that have prioritised student diversity by offering support for students with ADHD. For this blog post we interviewed a student who shared her experiences studying with ADHD.
Studying at university is challenging for most students, but for students with ADHD, these challenges are often magnified. Long lectures, tight deadlines, and seemingly endless to-do lists can become overwhelming when the brain is wired differently. ADHD, characterized by a combination of symptoms affecting focus, behavior, and impulse control, can make academic life particularly demanding. In adults, ADHD often manifests less overtly than in children and it may present for example as disorganisation, restlessness, procrastination, or difficulty finishing tasks. Studies have shown that students with ADHD have higher dropout rates and are more likely to face academic challenges.
However, with the right support, ADHD doesn’t have to be a barrier but a force that drives you to achieve your goals. Many students with ADHD possess unique strengths such as enthusiasm and the ability to think outside the box, and universities that acknowledge these strengths while offering targeted support in areas of difficulty can play a huge role in the students’ chances of success.
One of our peers, a student at Laurea University, has kindly shared her experiences of navigating higher education with ADHD. Here are her thoughts on how the support systems at Laurea have helped her overcome some of her challenges:
“At the beginning of my studies, I was informed about Laurea’s support services and who to contact if needed. The support from the special education teacher has been extremely helpful. I booked a meeting early in my studies, and received practical tips for studying with ADHD. The advice wasn’t just theoretical; it was demonstrated in practice, showing me how different methods could enhance my learning process,” she explains. She mentions AI and Kanban board as examples of tools that have helped her with time management and understanding different tasks.
In particular, the flexibility of online learning was an important factor in her ability to stay on track:
“It helps that I can do something with my hands during virtual lectures—like colouring—that doesn’t disturb others but actually improves my focus. Having lecture recordings available has also been advantage, as I sometimes need to review material multiple times to understand it fully.”
Laurea offers students a choice of studying on campus, online or a combination of both.
An essential part of the support system at Laurea is offering accommodations, such as extended exam time, through a special education teacher’s statement. “This statement has been a significant help, as it allows me to request accommodations like extra time for exams,” she shares. “This personalised support is really valuable, and the flexibility offered in terms of learning formats has made a huge difference in managing my studies.”
The student also praised the responsive nature of the Laurea staff and her fellow students. “The teachers respond to messages quickly and professionally. If I’ve needed clarification on an assignment, they provide clear answers. Many courses also have multiple submission deadlines, which makes scheduling easier and offers flexibility. Other students have also been supportive and allowed me to showcase my strengths.”
She emphasises that a student has to be proactive in seeking help and especially in online studies the responsibility for time management lies almost entirely within the student, but the support is there when it is needed most.
As the world of education continues to explore ways to support diversity, inclusion and resilience, it is clear that accommodating neurodiverse students is an essential part of these efforts. Laurea serves as an excellent example of how universities can adapt to meet the needs of students with ADHD, offering both concrete support and a culture of understanding. With this blog post, we hope to inspire other institutions and students to share their experiences how supporting neurodiverse students can help them excel in their academic journey.
This blog post is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe funded project, InCITIES, to make cities more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The writers are students from Laurea University of Applied Sciences, one of the institutions involved in the project.
Suurin osa Showcasen blogeista on toteutettu osana Laurean opintojaksoja. Koko koulutustarjontaamme voi tutustua nettisivuillamme. Tarjoamme kymmenien tutkintoon johtavien koulutuksien lisäksi myös paljon täydennys- ja erikoistumiskoulutuksia sekä yksittäisiä opintojaksoja avoimen AMK:n kautta!