Dr. Keith Miller responds:
Students who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and are attending the University of Oregon are commonly able to access a variety of accommodations through the Accessible Education Center (AEC). Possible accommodations include: extended testing time; reduced distraction testing; access to instructor notes/slides; advance notice of reading assignments; ability to audio record lectures; books in audio format. Instructors are legally required to provide extended testing time and use of a reduced distraction testing environment. Most instructors at the University of Oregon are very supportive of students with learning differences/ learning disabilities/ ADD/ADHD.
I tailor my work with adolescents with ADD/ADHD based on their age, maturity level, their parents desired level of involvement, and their specific areas of difficulty. I typically address issues such as: time management (using a planner); organization; setting up systems of external accountability; developing healthy peer relationships; communicating effectively with parents and teachers; strategies for minimizing the negative impact of ADD/ADHD on academic functioning; and strategies for utilizing strengths commonly found in individuals with ADD/ADHD to improve funcitoning.
I prefer to work with parents and teens simultaneously. Often I work with parents to clarify their expectations; increase their positive communication with teachers and counselors at school; and increase the use of contingent parenting practices that provides both predictable rewards and consequences. I support the use of tools such as school cards and school based assignment monitoring systems.
If you are interested in working with Dr. Miller, you can schedule a free 15 minute phone consult with Vista by clicking here.
