Live With a College Roommate With ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common disorder and you may see that when you are in college. You may have to room with someone with ADHD and if you are normal, you may be bothered by it.There are two types of ADHD - the inattentive type and the hyperactive/impulsive type and this article will discuss both.

Steps

 * 1)  Keep common areas simple and organized. Many people with ADHD have trouble staying organized, so try not to bring too many things that might confuse them.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 1.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 2)  Try not to have many distractions. Many people with ADHD are easily distracted and it is best to keep things that might distract him or her out of common areas, such as video games or loud music.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 2.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 3)  If necessary, remind them about their medications. Some people with ADHD forget their medications, which causes their symptoms to become less manageable.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 3.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 4)  Talk to your roommates about your differences and don't be afraid to tell them off when they are doing something annoying.  This is big with the hyperactive ADHD.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 4.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 5)  Many people with ADHD have problems with social cues. Many of them talk too much when you are studying or trying to sleep, or may jump around.  Either explain that you are trying to concentrate or need quiet, or if that does not work, either use headphones to block them out or, if nothing else works, leave the room and ignore them.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 5.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 6)  Don't judge them because they have ADHD. It is simply a condition, and is not the only defining characteristic of their personality; they are just like everyone else.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 6.jpg|center|550px]]
 * 7)  Talk to your RA or counselor if you have problems.  They may have accommodations for the person with ADHD.  [[Image:Live With a College Roommate With ADHD Step 7.jpg|center|550px]]

Tips

 * Some people with ADHD may have other conditions as well such as autism. Be informed about that.
 * There is a high comorbidity between ADHD and other conditions such as depression, so being sensitive and aware of this can smooth things over during discussions.

Warnings

 * Many people with ADHD may have low impulse control. However, be prepared for aggressive or extreme reactions if this person has a history of acting out, and especially if they are also bipolar or autistic.

Related wikiHows

 * How to Find the Latest Research on Attention Deficit Disorder
 * How to Share a Dorm with an Autistic Person
 * How to Deal With an Autistic Boyfriend
 * How to Do Well in School with Attention Deficit Disorder
 * How to Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet
 * How to Get Tested for ADD
 * How to Be Pretty and Smart As a College Girl