A Student with ADHD may even be able to manage in the classroom and then manage in the work environment with adjustments such as working later hours. I have heard of this being done by a former student. Fortunately, the student was able to work in an environment where this was able to be done.
Theresa,
Sounds like my kitchen... I have way too many of some tools because I can't find the strainer or the salad tongs or the paprika, so I buy another one. And I don't have ADHD!!! But your point is well taken. Those are good examples of how ADHD can spill over to impact on job performance.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A student with ADHD might have problems with employment because it is difficult for them to keep a strict timeline and to stay organized. People with ADHD have a hard time sticking to time lines, so this could affect their employment because they might be late often. Another problem they may have is keeping their work materials in order and not losing them. For example students who are doing cosmotology are responsible for their tools. If they cannot keep track of everything, they might end up re-purchasing tools and this can carry over to employment.
Xavier,
There is nothing like the voice of experience to make the point!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I personally have ADHD and feel that the training I got from school has definitely help me in my career, so to have early detection and proper training students can be more successful.
Marsha,
Yes -- employers are required to assure access and to make appropriate accommodations, but only if they have been informed that the individual IS someone with a disability, and asked for help in making reasonable adjustments. You are right. The failure to self-identify is often the downfall of those with ADHD.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think that ADHD would impact a student's employment experience because most people with ADHD will try to hide their disability. They are able to get away with this because their disability does not show on the outside. My guess is that over time employers may begin to recognize the employees disability. Would an employer be required to assure equal access?
Laura,
I think that' the key -- concentrate on the ABILITIES, rather than the DISabilities!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
agreed! There are many different jobs out there. Just as everyone needs to choose their profession according to their strengths, thoes with diability need to do the same.
Marie,
Then perhaps those fellow co-workers should LEARN to be more understanding. More tolerant? More open to possibilities?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
While employers may be understanding of the rules and regulations governing people with disabilities, fellow co-workers may not be so understanding.
Verdell,
I don't think that unions would have any problem with the INTENT of the ADA... just (sometimes) how the implementation of the conditions of the ADA interfere with their general practice.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
As an ex-union official, I concur with the majority of your statement. However, the organization as a whole has the obligation to ensure that any person with a disability has the same opportunities as a person without a disability.
Amanda,
Good point! Sometimes, individuals with disabilities SHOULD ask for accommodation so that they can do the job with equal prowess, but are hesitant to do so because of the stigma involved in admitting their limitations. As a result, they end of reinforcing the stereotype when they fail.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I believe students with ADHD could potentially have a substantial impact on employment especially in certain arenas in which their functional limitation is magnified. Of particular concern could be perceived discrimination and/or stereotyping by potential employers which could make the student unwilling to ask for assistance or reveal limitations.
stacy,
You are right -- "you can lead a horse to water..." The kinds of tools that can help someone with ADHD manage their own disability-related needs are only useful if the student is ready to tackle the challenge. It can't be done TO them. It must be done BY them.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I have seen some great advisors help students with ADHD. They will work with the student to develop strategies to help them work with their disability. It is hoped that these students are learning skills that they can incorporate into their everyday lives as well as their work places. I'm sure that it is dependent on the students ability and willingness to use the tools regularly enough to make them successful if such tools are appropriate for the particular student's needs.
Helena,
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with disabilities, including those with ADHD, often "self-select" when it comes to employment. They gravitate towards occupations in which their disability will be less of an issue, or when accommodations are possible. That doesn't mean that there won't be students who are unrealistic about such things, and that doesn't mean that they can always count on being able to manage their disability well. But we can hope that the coping strategies they learned in college will help them along the way.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think that a person with ADHD may sometimes have a problem when it come to employment. They may have eposides or occassions when they forget get things and if they hold a position that may be very important that might soon play a big factor. I dont think that the disability sould determine employment or not, but I think it sould play a part with the position and it's job responsibilities.
Andrea,
That is true -- and that it why it is not uncommon for individuals with hidden disabilities, like learning disabilities, to choose not to disclose, even though that sometimes means going without the support they should have. It's a shame that our attitudes (as a society) haven't caught up with our knowledge base.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
