Great questions & discussion!
My realization of inattentive ADD came during my DSM diagnostic course in social work grad school. But, being on guard against the med-school syndrome where one thinks one has "every dx" they read about, I dissed it. Never mind late papers, missed classes, and procrastinating until I had to stay awake for four solid days writing my thesis. THAT should have convinced me. But no, I "self-medicated" with chocolate-covered espresso beans to keep myself awake.
As a recovering addict, I refused to take any meds for anything (one good extreme always deserves another, doesn't it?), so it took me a few more years of gradually increasing misery/paralysis to get a formal psychological testing & dx. (about 5 yrs, then another four or five to try meds)
Now, I want to return to grad school again to go into education. I think I'd love to be a teacher, but I'm afraid without better self-regualtion I'll crash & burn under the paper/deadline pressures. I'm on Adderall, but think I need a RX tweak - I'll see my doc on Fri, so I'll talk about it then.
Info about the ADA was really helpful - thank you. I think I will learn more about that as I get closer to applying to programs. Thanks for the solid, practical advice, all
Good luck students & all!
I am new to this forum, so hello! I was very interested in 'an academic's posting, and I have a similar question. I was diagnosed during my master's program when I was 28. Now, two years later, I am entering a Ph.D. program. Exciting & terrifying! I am wondering if anyone has experience with classroom accomodations as a graduate student. I imagine that I WON'T request accomodations, mostly because it might reflect poorly on me as an academic. More helpful, I think, would be a coach or councellor to meet with regularly so I can learn some skills and discuss the frustrations of being a bright person with a hectic brain.
Any experience with such things? Any other ADD-enabled grad students out there?
Grasshopper,Section 504, administered by the Office of Civil Rights, is mandatory in all institutions receiving federal funds. Almost every college receives federal funding. This act requires reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments to any disabled students. The definition of disabled is liberal and normally includes ADHD if it can be demonstrated that your ADHD interferes with your ability to learn. You must be willing to have your disability on record in the college to receive any accommodations under Section 504. You must also be able to list how your ADHD adversely effects your education and what accommodations you are asking for. Special accommodations could include: recording lectures or classes, extended time for tests, or taking tests in a separate, distraction free environment
http://add.about.com/cs/adhdincollege/f/college1.htm
I am a graduate student and have definitely taken advantage of the academic accomadations. It has been a life saver having academic accomadations. I would not have made it this far. There are some professors who are not aware of what ADHD is or how it can impact your work. After I got my letters of accomadation I spoke with each of the professors during their office hours. These letters don't make one exempt from the work, it just means that you have try harder to get anything done and may need certain academic accomadations (or at least that's the way it is for me). Nevertheless, I wish you the best in all of your studies. theoptimizer38442.814525463Im attending college now at the age of 44 and just got diganoised with ADHD. However, I have the low end of it with just the focusing, comprehending and reading, focusing, anxiety of test and quizes. I did go and talk to them about them for accommendations as if you are on any meds like this you have the right to get some services.
So, now for my test I go down to a quite room where it is much better for me to focus and concentrate on my stuff. It doenst bother me at all. Dont be afraid to speak up you have the rights no matter what you are going into. Im going into Elementary Education with Middle School.
It has been now 4 months and have tried 3 different meds Concerta, Foclain, Addreall xr and nothing has worked at all for me. They say that when I do find the right med I will notice it and my grades and all should improve. Im hoping that one day here soon it just gets old..
Im waiting for my prescription to arrive in my mail here Sat. so I can take it and get it filled and see what the next one here will do for me if anything at all.. It will be Dextrostat or Dexedrine Spansules I forgot what she told me today on the phone.. I just want something that works... has been a long year and very fusterating when I hear everyone else that tries something and it works right away for them...
DJT