Why ADHD Feels Different in College
College is exciting—and overwhelming.
With fewer external structures, higher expectations, and more distractions, ADHD symptoms often feel louder than ever.
You might be experiencing:
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Time blindness (losing track of assignments or hours)
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Task paralysis (getting stuck starting or finishing work)
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Emotional overwhelm (burnout, shame, or feeling "too much")
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Trouble managing routines (sleep, meals, schedules)
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Perfectionism and fear of failing
These struggles aren’t because you aren’t trying hard enough.
They're because ADHD challenges executive function—the brain’s ability to organize, prioritize, and regulate itself.
Good news: Executive skills aren’t "fixed traits." They can be supported, built, and strengthened with the right strategies.
How ADHD Coaching Can Help You Thrive
ADHD coaching is not therapy. It’s practical, supportive, strategy-based work that meets you where you are—without shame or judgment.
Through coaching, you’ll learn to:
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Build systems that fit your brain (not force yourself into someone else’s)
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Break down overwhelming goals into doable steps
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Manage time and deadlines in a way that feels real and workable
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Strengthen your focus and motivation without burning out
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Develop self-compassion—and stop beating yourself up for being wired differently
Coaching gives you tools you can use right now, in real life, to succeed in your classes, relationships, and personal goals.
You deserve to work with your mind, not against it.
Wondering How to Talk to Your Parents About Coaching?
Many parents want to help—but they may not fully understand ADHD or what coaching is.
Here’s what you can share with them:
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Coaching isn’t therapy—it’s action-oriented support focused on success skills for college and beyond.
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ADHD is a brain-based difference, not a character flaw. Coaching teaches strategies that work with how the ADHD brain operates.
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Support now builds long-term independence. Coaching strengthens skills like organization, planning, and emotional regulation—tools that are critical for adulthood.
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You’re not asking for someone to "do it for you"—you’re asking for a partner who can help you build your future.
I’m happy to provide resources or answer questions for parents if that helps.
Investing in coaching now lays the foundation for confidence, success, and lasting growth.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a Free Discovery Call to talk about your goals, ask questions, and learn how ADHD coaching can help.
No pressure—just a chance to see what’s possible when you have the right support.
You are not behind. You are not broken. You are ready to build your own kind of success—and you don't have to do it alone.
ADHD in Numbers for College Students
8%
Diagnosed Students
About 2% to 8% of college students report having a diagnosis of ADHD, although estimates are likely low because many go undiagnosed
(Weyandt & DuPaul, 2013).
200%
Chance of Academic Probation
Students with ADHD are more than twice as likely to be placed on academic probation during college compared to their peers without ADHD (Advokat, Lane, & Luo, 2011).
80%
Executive Function Difficulties
Up to 80% of college students with ADHD report significant executive function difficulties—including organization, planning, time management, and self-regulation—that directly impact their academic performance
(Weyandt et al., 2013).
30%
Improvement with Coaching
In one study, college students with ADHD who received coaching improved their executive functioning by an average of 30% over a semester compared to students without coaching (Swartz et al., 2005). Students also reported greater academic persistence and emotional well-being.
References:
Advokat, C., Lane, S. M., & Luo, C. (2011). College students with and without ADHD: Comparison of self-report of medication usage, study habits, and academic achievement. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(8), 656–666. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054710371168
Swartz, S. L., Prevatt, F., & Proctor, B. E. (2005). A coaching intervention for college students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychology in the Schools, 42(6), 647–656. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.20101
Weyandt, L. L., & DuPaul, G. J. (2013). College students with ADHD: Current issues and future directions. Springer.
Weyandt, L. L., et al. (2013). The Internal Restlessness Scale: Performance of college students with and without ADHD. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(2), 147–157. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219411407921