Help for ADD 20 year old

[KingscoteStaff]

DNephew is staying with us over the summer and has shared some problems he is having at university.

• difficulties in organisation


• struggles with working to deadlines


• finds it hard to maintain focus on independent work

He is academically able and very social.

He is keen to find a ‘magic button’ to help solve his problems - I think he believes that there must be a pill he can take that will counter all his difficulties.

I want to help him - but am not sure of the first steps to take. My research suggests that ADD doesn’t ever go away, so it’s coping strategies that are needed.

Can anyone recommend a therapist / advisor / life coach / support group who might be able to offer him some suggestions?

Anyone?

Do you mean Inattentive ADHD? Is he diagnosed? Because if so, then there is a pill he can take! Medication would usually be the the best thing, especially for someone that age. Does he get any help from the Learning Support service at his university?

Thank you @kingsleysbootlicker Yes, the inattentive type! Really struggles with concentration, getting started on tasks, motivating himself.

He has been approved for assessment, but that may take 2 to 3 years. University are offering him extensions in essays - but that just means he delays writing for even longer!

He keeps muttering about ‘friends’ who can get him the drugs online without prescription, which is v. worrying.

Can anyone recommend an independent therapist - we’re happy to raid our savings for him. London/SE.

Thank you for any help and advice.

that just means he delays writing for even longer!
I can definitely relate to this!

I'm not sure if by independent therapist you mean for an ADHD assessment or for counselling, but if for assessment then it's best to go with someone who can prescribe medication on a shared care arrangement with the NHS. I don't think counselling is that useful for ADHD but there are a lot of YouTube/Tiktok videos now where people have posted their ways of coping and tips for organisation... that may appeal to him more

I'm in NI so I'm no help with recommending a therapist, but hopefully someone who can help will see this

He needs to prioritise sorting out an assessment. The right to choose pathway would enable him to access a private assessment funded by the NHS. A lot of people go with Psychiatry UK.

Once a diagnosis is in place he could apply for the Disabled Students Allowances and be funded a strategy coach by the government. The reasonable adjustments at uni arent fit for purpose. For example, as standard youre offered extra time. If his assessment report states it takes him longer than his peers to do the same work he needs his word count reducing otherwise he’s expected to work harder than his peers