Conclusion

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in childhood and adolescence, yet it largely falls out of the spotlight once those affected leave school. However, many of these young people continue to engage in activities where ADHD symptoms can lead to problems, and some only realize now—when focused, self-organized work and/or study habits play an even more important role—that they are affected by issues in this area. One can certainly speak of barriers here that make it difficult for these individuals to pursue certain activities and fulfill their potential even in adulthood. This makes it all the more encouraging to see that there are programs available to help those affected understand and manage their challenges even after they finish school.

One such program is the ADHD training offered by the University of Cologne. In the feedback we gathered while accompanying such a training group, we received nothing but positive responses. Throughout the sessions, there was a consistent consensus that this is a valuable program that not only imparts important knowledge about the subject but also provides practical tips and guidance. And in subsequent conversations and from former participants, the feedback was consistently positive. It seemed that most had succeeded in applying what they learned—at least to a large extent—in their daily lives and putting it to good use.

Our intention with this project was to reach out to those who are struggling with similar barriers. Young people affected by ADHD or their parents, who are facing the decision of whether to take the step toward a path potentially burdened by ADHD symptoms (e.g., attending university) despite all the challenges, should know that there are others who have taken exactly this path and are successfully navigating it. They should know that it is possible to get appropriate help and where to turn to receive it.

Finally, we would like to thank all the organizers and participants who supported us in our project work and enabled us to gain insight into the daily life of a student with ADHD and into the ADHD training program at the University of Cologne. We hope that the information on our website might even support your work to some extent and thus allow us to give back a little in return.