Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood, especially in college environments where students are expected to juggle academics, jobs, social lives, and personal responsibilities. While some experience ADHD as constant hyperactivity or visible distractions, it can also show up in more subtle forms, especially among students who appear organized, intelligent, and driven.
I, like many other students at ASU, have been diagnosed with ADHD. I received this diagnosis relatively late, in my first month of college. Connecting with peers who also have ADHD has shown me the wide variety of symptoms those with ADHD experience. Some people, like myself, experience a “high-functioning ADHD” where they experience the core symptoms of ADHD, like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction, but have developed strategies or strengths that help them “mask” those challenges. Those who are high-achieving, especially women, are much more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis missed in their childhood.
High-functioning ADHD doesn’t mean symptoms are mild; it means you’ve developed coping strategies that make them less visible. But these strategies often come at the cost of burnout, overthinking, or inconsistent productivity. Procrastination and perfectionism frequently go hand in hand, and tasks that seem simple for others, like starting an essay or a big project, can feel disproportionately difficult.
In college, where structure disappears and expectations rise, ADHD can become harder to manage. Long-term assignments, lectures without breaks, or inconsistent routines can quickly become overwhelming. And for those who’ve never been diagnosed, it’s easy to internalize the struggle as laziness or a lack of discipline.
The key is recognizing that ADHD is not a flaw; it’s a different way of thinking. Embracing your diagnosis and support systems, exploring therapy or coaching, using tools like time-blocking and body doubling, and seeking academic accommodations can make a huge difference. It is important to advocate for yourself, especially if you think you may have ADHD.
Having ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in college. It means you might need different tools and some self-compassion to do it your way!
Read about some resources for ADHD and other student concerns: https://eoss.asu.edu/counseling/mental-health-resources/common-student-concerns
Read about another student’s ADHD success story: https://eoss.asu.edu/content/managing-adhd-and-dyslexia-college-student
Find some more information on “High-Functioning” ADHD: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-adult-adhd/202206/adhd-in-high-functioning-adults
Amy Senkerik
B.S. Biological Sciences, B.S. Global Health