Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Here's an interesting side note. The very same symptomology that creates problems for students with ADHD -- their tendency to be distracted by side issues -- is also what sometimes makes them so creative. They think outside the box, LITERALLY! For instance, they may look at the instructions for an assignment and think of another way that the assignment might be accomplished... an idea that others would never have entertained because they are used to following directions, not using them as a springboard! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

Nicole, You're right. It is a hard concept for some people to grasp. Students with "invisible" disabilities like LD or ADHD often have difficulty getting the consideration and accommodations they need because they LOOK just like every other student, so people can't understand why they shouldn't be expected to *perform* just like every other student. Ironically, these are the students whose disability may impact them MOST in the classroom. For students who are blind, deaf, or in a wheelchair, access to the *classroom* probably requires someone looking after the logistics (like providing materials in Braille or having an interpreter present),… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Rock and a Hard Place?

Acknowledging the deficits is certainly the most direct way to approach this, but it may not be received very well. Faculty may become defensive if they feel you are only seeing the mistakes they have made. You don't want to get their backs up and have them defending the wrong thing just out of principle. I think I might approach things by saying, "I was looking over your technical standards. I'm concerned about how to explain some of the pieces with students who inquire about admission to your program. It seems to me that there are some barriers there to… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

After the Classroom

That is a great example, Nicole. I was thinking of things even more immediate to the student's college experience. Students with ADHD often miss appointments because they aren't organized enough to keep track. The biggest issue, from a student perspective, is that these students often have great difficulty with time management, and thus don't leave themselves adequate time to study.

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Severity of Disability

I agree, wholeheartedly, Nicole. And so does the federal government. The issue is what support should be provided to assure that the student has full access. THIS student, not some other! ;-)

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Being Fair with Time

Yours is an interesting hypothesis Bill. I like the way you reason out both how students with disabilities use extended time on tests, and why it is appropriate. As to preparation time -- I think you are right. Students with disabilities ARE at a disadvantage. But I think that disadvantage is the disability itself, not the amount of time they have to study. You are right on target when you say it may take more time for them to study, but they have the time to do so. They aren't short of preparation time, they are just working longer within… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Patricia, There is no question but that the medication can make a significant difference for some individuals, and that is a great boon for those students. I would just caution against the assumption or generalization that "if you have ADHD you should be on meds, and that if you aren't you won't make it." It doesn't work for everyone. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

Patricia, I am not sure that kind of general statement ("they do better when they take their meds") can be supported by hard evidence. The medication helps the student to focus, and that may make it easier for the student to achieve. But being on medication does not improve the odds that students know the material or are capable of demonstrating their knowledge. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

It is great when the medication works, Pamela -- but that isn't always the case. We tend to think of medicine as "curing" a problem. When we take the medication it makes the cold or flu or infection go away. But for those with ADHD, the medication simply dampens the problems. It helps to keep things under control so they can function better, but the problem still remains. Think in terms of a cold medicine that helps you limp through the day in the early stages of a cold, only to hit you like a brick when you get home… >>>

Jane Jarrow

Discussion Comment

Attention Deficit Disorder

You are right on target here, Joshua. While the medication may do exactly what is hoped (in helping to manage their ADHD symptoms), it is possible that it will do much more, as well. Many students choose NOT to take their medication because of the difficult reactions they have. It would not be appropriate to DEMAND that a student take his/her ADHD meds any more than it would be to force anyone else to take a certain medication.