<p>Parent of newly-diagnosed with ADHD soon-to-be college freshman son. He has struggled with organization, attention to detail etc for years, though it had never occurred to me that he could have ADHD because he had the capacity to throw himself thoroughly into what he loved -- what did I know? He has struggled to maintain solid grades, despite being an interesting, creative intellect. Plus, knowing that we are sending him off to his dream school in August, we said let's just find out if there is something more going on here. </p>
<p>In many ways, the diagnosis is a tremendous relief to all of us, because it is not longer a question of us pointing fingers and saying "if you only tried harder, worked more effectively, blah blah blah . . . " Although he has some initial concern about meds, he is meeting with his therapist next week to discuss moving forward with meds. </p>
<p>He will file with the student services office though we are not expecting particular accommodations -- the testing doctor suggested that, because he has basically succeeded in high school, he is not likely to qualify for accommodations like extra time etc.</p>
<p>A new path for him, and us. Thank you for the insight that I have picked up from this board in particular as we investigated this.</p>
<p>Most Colleges view ADHD as a valid reason to receive accommodations. I could never get accommodations in HS due to the fact I have always been an average to above average student. In college it is different ,because they most follow ADA definition not IDEA. Look up both things and you will see what I mean. Hope that helps!</p>
<p>I get Extended time, Distraction free testing environment, Can use my laptop to take notes even when the teacher does not allow other students too , I also have access to a note taker for every class. I have even had professors who have allowed me to turn in assignments late ,because they understand my ADHD,and dyslexia. College has allowed me to SHINE!!!</p>
<p>Thanks, UCA, that is helpful information, and congrats to you on your college success!</p>
<p>That’s so bizarre that they don’t give you extended time. I’m an ADD student (ADHD without the hyperactivity) so I can connect on some level with your son. I am a rising senior and in the beginning of high school I had bad grades, and it wasn’t until I discovered CC that I became motivated to work hard. ADHD kids are very capable of succeeding, but without motivation they can be mistaken as “troublesome” or even “stupid”.</p>
<p>Follow up – my son just started Vyvanse and, though he had concerns about how it might affect him, he remarked that he feels better than he has in months and is enjoying how well he can focus on his summer school class. No magic bullet, and we know that side affects can pile up as he takes it longer, but happy and relieved about the initial response to the meds.</p>
<p>He had a moment of “what if” he had been on meds when he did ACT etc, what a different story it might have been. Not looking back though, just looking for a more balanced way forward.</p>