Adulting and executive function skills (from the In It podcast)
Jan 2, 2024
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Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson discusses executive function challenges faced by young adults with ADHD in the real world. She provides expert advice on coping with the demands of college or that first job, including developing self-advocacy skills, seeking academic help, managing medication, and fostering self-development. The hosts and Dr. Wilson encourage listeners to join the conversation and share their experiences.
Developing self-advocacy skills and the ability to communicate with professors or supervisors is crucial for success in college or work.
Active engagement in extracurricular activities and seeking a sense of belonging in the university community contribute to academic and social thriving for students with ADHD.
Deep dives
Challenges of Transitioning to College or Work with ADHD
Many young adults with ADHD face challenges in managing executive function as they transition to college or work. This often includes difficulties in managing multiple demands, such as coursework, finances, social life, and daily responsibilities. Parents who have been providing extensive support and scaffolding may find it challenging to step back during this transition. Developing self-advocacy skills and the ability to communicate with professors or supervisors is crucial for success. It is important for students to understand their own needs, seek accommodations, and learn how to navigate challenges in a college or work environment.
The Role of Self-Advocacy in College Success
Self-advocacy plays a significant role in college success for students with ADHD. Learning to communicate with professors and advocate for accommodations is crucial. Students can benefit from preparing for meetings with professors by writing down questions and discussing areas of difficulty. Developing effective communication skills, including making phone calls or having face-to-face conversations, is essential as professors may not respond to digital messages. Additionally, students who actively engage in extracurricular activities and seek a sense of belonging in their university community tend to thrive academically and socially.
Addressing Mental Health and Building Resilience
Transitioning to college or work can be a vulnerable time for students with learning and thinking differences, as it often coincides with increased rates of anxiety and depression. It is crucial to have support systems in place and proactively address mental health concerns. Parents and students should have open conversations about the potential emotional challenges that may arise and encourage seeking support if needed. Adequate sleep, involvement in extracurricular activities, and the development of resilience contribute to overall well-being and academic success. Understanding and embracing one's learning and thinking differences can lead to resilience and positive outcomes.
Everyone with ADHD has trouble with executive function in some way — and these challenges can make the transition to adulthood especially hard.
Today, we’re sharing an episode of the In It podcast called “Adulting and executive function skills.” Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson shares common executive function challenges young adults face in the real world. Get her expert advice on how to help young adults with ADHD cope with the demands of college or that first job.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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