Learning Center initiative works to support students with ADHD

October is typically associated with the epitome of fall, but the month also has another important aspect: ADHD Awareness.

The Learning Center at UNC is working to assist and support students with ADHD through its new initiative — ADHD, Me and UNC — designed to inform students of the many resources that exist on campus for students with ADHD. 

The program is spearheaded by Lara Gerrard and Kristen Rademacher, academic coaches and ADHD/LD Specialists at the Learning Center.

Rademacher said about 30 percent of students who come to the Learning Center cite ADHD as one of the reasons they seek help and support.

“We just decided to do a little more targeted programming," Gerrard said. "We’ve had an ADHD peer support group that's been going on for a while but we've decided that we needed a little something in addition to that. So, we had a few open houses and then we have had one of our monthly events in September. The topic was a lot of tools, tips, resources, that kind of thing."

The new program includes monthly sessions with guest speakers. A variety of topics relevant to individuals with ADHD will be discussed, ranging from helpful study tools to ADHD medications. 

Rademacher said she hopes the students of the program will feel supported by the community of peers and resources ADHD, Me and UNC is hoping to foster. 

"Here is one thought: that they are not alone," Rademacher said. "There are many, many students like them on campus, and have some similar victories and struggles, as well. The point of creating these programs for them is to see that they are well connected and also to help and learn from each other as well."

Gerrard and Rademacher said they hope the program will provide peer-to-peer support for students. 

"There’s a different dynamic when they are talking to each other and not just talking to us,” Rademacher said.

Monica Davis, an academic coach and math specialist at the Learning Center, said it is important to address the individual needs of students so that they can excel academically. 

“Our central focus, or priority, is our students,” she said.

The Learning Center has provided resources for students with ADHD and other learning disabilities to ensure their success in their college careers. These include the ability to make appointments with specialists individually in order to discuss topics such as the need for test-taking accommodations and alternative textbook materials. 

"Twelve (to) 13 years ago, there was a separate program called Learning Disabilities Services that served students with ADHD and learning disabilities, exclusively," Rademacher said. "It was a stand-alone program and then in 2007, it got merged into the Learning Center and lots of changes have taken place to the program since then. But, there have always been services for students with ADHD and learning disabilities on campus."

Rademacher said the new program has been well-received by the student body. She said she is excited about the success the program has had so far.

“I think it kind of came out of, too, us thinking about building a greater sense of community for students with ADHD,” Gerrard said. 

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