ADHD in higher education institutions in Ireland- services, supports and student needs

It is estimated that up to 40,000 students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ireland have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study is to determine the existing ADHD services and supports in HEIs in Ireland and to identify the current assessment pathways and needs of ADHD students. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, all HEIs in Ireland with a disability and student health service completed a survey describing their existing services and supports in place for students with ADHD. In the second phase, 641 students with ADHD provided quantitative and qualitative data to describe their assessment pathways and needs. The study found a diverse student population across age, gender, and ethnicity. While some HEIs offer comprehensive ADHD support, others lack ADHD-specific services. Unmet needs include limited assessment pathways, a lack of tailored supports, and limited support from academic staff. The results suggest that a specific ADHD service tailored to support students with ADHD in HEIs is required along with the provision of ADHD training for academic staff.