ADHD Awareness Month
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with poor educational outcomes that can have long-term negative effects on the mental health, wellbeing, and socio-economic outcomes of students.
In Jersey there is an estimated 4000 individuals with this medical condition.
In the domain of neurodiversity there is a move towards identifying ADHD as a medical condition rather than a learning difficulty due to the numerous associated co-occurring health conditions:
gut: cardiac: mobility: immune and so forth.
Mental health provision on island for students with ADHD is often inadequate due to long waiting times for access to diagnosis and treatment in specialist clinics. Therefore, reasonable adjustments and educational support, will have the most positive impact on the academic performance and achievement of students with ADHD.
As a college our stance has always aligned with Jersey’s “Ordinarily Available” guidance for education providers; we support need without diagnosis.
We also offer best practice “packages of support” that can include various models such as, in class support; 1-1 support; team leader check ins: base room access; study skills drop ins, student life support and additional personal tutorials.
Teachers class delivery and strategies for “Ordinarily Available” are also an invaluable part of our college inclusion offer.
Final thought
As professionals, It’s good to be aware of conditions that can impact on young peoples experiences in college and to remember, even though there may sometimes be similar presentations between people with ADHD…,,,when you’ve met one individual with ADHD you’ve met one individual with ADHD.
A big thank you to all the students and tutors who attended the Anthea Carrol presentation, what a fantastic turn out; the slideshow is linked below.
ADHD Highlands 30 minutes – Anthea Carroll.pptx
Written by Desiree Madelin, Head of Department
ADHD Session for Students and Staff
Last week’s sessions on ADHD provided valuable insights into understanding and supporting individuals with ADHD. The talks offered practical strategies that are particularly beneficial for students in courses or placements related to this important topic.
Anthea Carroll, Deputy Head from Springfield School and an ADHD specialist, shared her expertise, which aligns perfectly with our ongoing Inclusion initiatives and the delivery of the Ordinarily Available document. This focus was especially timely as we celebrated ADHD Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with ADHD in educational environments.
By fostering conversations like these, we continue our journey toward creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for everyone.
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