What does an ADHD-friendly university look like? A case study from Ireland

Abstract

In Ireland, 5 % of university students registering with disability services in higher education have ADHD, increasing annually. Student services nationally report a significant increase in requests for assessment, diagnosis, and support for ADHD in university. This mixed method study investigated the experiences of undergraduate and postgraduate students with a diagnosis of ADHD in one HEI in Ireland to determine (i) institutional and systemic challenges, (ii) facilitators of successful progression through university, and (iii) an evidence-base to inform effective support. Data analysis encompassed responses from an online survey, anonymized longitudinal data extracted from disability services student progression reports, and qualitative data extrapolated from open-ended survey responses and individual, in-depth interviews. Findings indicate a need for ADHD friendly university campuses, adoption of Universal Design for Learning, increasing ADHD awareness within the university community, targeted ADHD supports, and optimizing the sensory environment.