3 Ways to Know Your College Student Needs ADHD Coaching: by Lori Melnitsky

Lori Melnitsky
3 days ago
2 min read

3 Ways to Know Your College Student Needs ADHD Coaching

College can be overwhelming for any young adult—but for students with ADHD, the transition can feel like trying to juggle classes, deadlines, social life, and independence all at once. Even bright, motivated students can suddenly find themselves falling behind, feeling anxious, or losing confidence.

As a certified ADHD and Executive Function Coach, I work with college students every day who are capable, talented, and trying their best—but still struggling. Here are three clear signs your college student may benefit from ADHD coaching.

1. They’re Smart… But Their Grades Don’t Match Their Potential

If your child understands the material but still:

Misses deadlines
Submits assignments late
Rushes through work at the last minute
Loses points simply because they didn’t follow directions

…it’s not a motivation issue. It’s an executive function issue.

ADHD coaching helps college students learn how to break down tasks, plan ahead, and actually follow through. With the right tools, their grades start to reflect their true abilities.

2. They’re Overwhelmed by Managing Everything on Their Own

College demands organization, planning, and time management at a level most high schoolers have never had to handle. Students with ADHD often struggle with:

Keeping track of syllabi
Managing multiple deadlines across classes
Balancing school, work, and social life
Knowing where to start when everything feels urgent

ADHD coaching gives them a structured weekly plan plus the accountability they need to stay on track—without feeling nagged or judged.

3. They’re Anxious, Avoiding, or Shutting Down

ADHD doesn’t just affect schoolwork—it affects emotions. When students fall behind, they often feel:

Ashamed or embarrassed
Afraid to ask for help
Too overwhelmed to even begin
Like “everyone else can do this except me”

Coaching helps students build confidence, reduce avoidance, and take action step by step. When the emotional load gets lighter, the academic progress follows.