ADHD and the Panic Monster: Ella's Story
Coming back to university after more than a decade away to study Counselling, Coaching, and Mentoring, Ella wasn’t sure what support would be available for ADHD, or even whether she was eligible for it. In this interview, she shares her experiences of applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), how her diagnosis affects her studies, and the advice she would give to others starting the journey.
“I didn't think I would be eligible for ADHD.”
Ella reflects on how little she knew about DSA when returning to study, and why she initially put off applying.
"When I started, I didn't even consider applying for DSA. I felt like I couldn't, as I "only" had ADHD. I think DSA was mentioned to me during the admissions period, and I thought; Oh, it's just going to be another form. It wasn't the quickest process, but it was so worth it.
I hadn't been in education for a really long time, and I forgot how my ADHD shows up in that process. And it shows up hard. I really do struggle, and it can feel debilitating.
I was awarded time management coaching through the DSA, and software too, including Booost which has been incredibly helpful.”
“ADHD can feel like there are too many balls in your court.”
Ella discusses the challenges of the application process, the support that helped her, and the advice she'd give to other students navigating the DSA.
"Understand how important DSA support is. Start the process as soon as possible and keep digital copies of all your evidence. There's a lot of paperwork, and for me, it feels like having loads of balls to juggle. Part of having ADHD is that you put all these balls in your court. Then you take a week to hit one of them back out of your court, and then all of a sudden it's back!
Luckily, the support services at uni helped with filling out these forms. They had drop-in sessions where I could go in and they'd sit with me. I wish I'd used that a lot sooner.
Also, I initially thought DSA was just a pot of money they give you, but this isn't the case – they pull specific support from a pot that's tailored to you.
It would've motivated me to apply earlier if I'd had more information about the DSA and known about the kind of help I would be eligible for.
“I have the panic monster when deadlines come up.”
Ella explains how ADHD affects her time, energy, and ability to study – and why receiving formal support made such a difference.
"One of my biggest struggles is time management.
I love learning, and I enjoyed the group discussions. Going to lectures was really interesting but I struggled to retain all of the information. I made good notes, but I got too involved in colour coordinating them and making them all look neat rather than actually taking in what's being said.
I also struggle with producing work. I think this is mainly because of the energy I need to use when I'm at uni in the lecture or seminar – the social dynamics, the environment and all the sounds.
By the time I get home and want to put everything I've learned into an assignment, I've completely run out of energy. I've used it all up.
That definitely affected my ability to produce the work when I should have, which is straight after the seminar or lecture. I didn't have the capacity to do that. I'd used all my spoons, and by the time I came home, the jar was empty. There were no spoons left in the pot.
Some people don't think of ADHD as a disability, but I do, because it affects my everyday life.
I don't function the same as everyone else. Having a diagnosis and support validates the fact that things are not as easy or streamlined for me as they are for neurotypical people.”
“The faculty were incredibly helpful while I waited for DSA support.”
Ella also shares how university-based resources complement the help she receives through DSA.
"I use the learning support plan all the time. It recaps where I am and will audio record the lectures so I can go back and finish my pretty notes. I also have a personal academic tutor.
Having the DSA definitely makes people aware that I need additional support, and I can call on that.
Because the DSA process took so long for me, just having a diagnosis was enough for the faculty. They put in temporary learning support plans and learning agreements. Knowing that I was going through the process was enough for them to start trying to provide me with as much additional help as possible.”
“Sitting at the front is not uncool.”
Ella shares her top study tips for first-year students, from tackling assignments early to finding accountability and making use of financial support.
"In lectures, I tended to sit right near the front. The people who wanted to chat sat at the back. I also access the PowerPoint slides that are available online.
Have a calm environment at home where you can produce work outside of uni. I created a specific space I could study, with a scented candle, instrumental music in the background, and multicoloured highlighters, so that I could make my work visually appealing.
Sometimes, if I'm in the right mood and I'm up against it, I'll go and work in a café where I concentrate better because I don't go and fiddle about the house and do different things. I don't sit and scroll on my phone because I imagine the other people there holding me accountable – it's like body doubling, but no one knows they're doing it!
Getting out and about and changing the study environment can help.”
“Start small and build it up.”
Ella offers some tips to students entering their first year of university.
"Don't leave your assignments until the last minute! It sounds like a no-brainer but do a little bit as often as you can. Even if you just set up the page or add a header with the student ID, or copy and paste the assignment brief into it, or name your paragraphs or intro, then you've made a start. You don't have a blank page. Nothing scares me more than a blank page!
If I don't know much about the subject, I'll start by putting my ideas down. And that's really helpful because when you come to it, you feel like you're already on the way.
For yourself, and your academic peace of mind, just do a little bit each day.
Another tip is to find someone who takes it as seriously as you do. I hate using the term study buddy, but I found one of the girls on my course who I really got along with. I knew I could message her and be like; Can you ring me and give me a pep talk, please? Because I'm sat here and I just need you to tell me that I can do this!
You can motivate them; they can motivate you. It's kind of a support system.
Also, if you are struggling financially, do not be afraid to reach out to the student support services to ask for help. There are additional grants and student hardship funds. The people were lovely, and I didn't feel the need to prove myself. I just showed them my evidence, and they worked it all out.
Lastly, if you are lonely and living in a town you don't know well, check out what's on offer. Interact with the social activities that they have going on.
“Give yourself the chance to be taught.”
Finally, Ella encourages new students to engage fully with teaching staff and invest in their education from the outset.
"Go to your bloody lectures! Build a working relationship with your tutor and seminar lead, and cultivate it right from the beginning by turning up.
If you make the effort to get to know them, they will explain stuff in a way that works for your brain. If you're invested and ask relevant questions at the end of a seminar, you'll get more out of it than if you hadn't attended or left as soon as the bell rang.
Put that work in and respect your own education. These lecturers are passionate about what they do. They chose their subject for a reason, and they know more than you.
Ella spoke with Booost Education’s Product Specialist, Amy, who provides personalised training and support to students receiving Booost or Luna through their DSA funding.
Whether you're just starting university this year or already partway through your course, Amy’s sessions help you make the most of your software and feel confident using it to support your studies.
Book a session with Amy
Questions about training? Get in touch with Amy at support@booosteducation.com.
