ADHD and College

[HelpneededADHD]

My daughter has ADHD and hopes to play D1 sports in college. She's struggling with her grades in High School and I can't see a path where she'll be able to manage her work in College when she gets there. She's currently in 10th grade so we have a bit of time, but she'll never be a straight A student (possibly not even close). Do colleges take that into consideration when kids are applying?

[HelpneededADHD]

I should add she's also become a compulsive liar....has anyone else dealt with that and how? I'm really struggling.

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome! We are so happy you have joined the group. Thanks for your post..Many colleges ( depending on the level of D1) take into consideration that sports takes up a HUGE part of their lives.

Not sure what if you guys know the steps to get her into a D1 college.

When your child gets into the college, they have clear expectations of what the student has to do. They truly want the students to be successful in school. For our son, he will live with his teammates, study hall is mandatory and they said they would look over his planner. For our son's team (at least last year out of 16 games, 11 were away) they will travel a lot.

But it really feels like he is going to a team of people that will support and help him. We have been impressed with our experience with the college.

As far as the lying.. does your daughter have a therapist? If so you could speak to them about the truth and help her work through why she feels like she has to lie.

If she doesn't maybe you could role play, the parts out when she lies this will happen. For us this has gotten better with maturity.

Hope this helps and if you have other questions about D1 College you could send me a private message and I would love to help you.

Good luck!!

[turtlelady]

Yes they do! They also have accommodations available for your child as well as special programs. Ie: studying, tutoring, organizing strategies etc. I wish you both the best!!

[Westcoast2023]

I feel in the same boat as you! Our daughter is also a 10th grader, wants to play her sport in a D1 or D3 in college, but struggles this year with the grades and has become a compulsive liar.

I have a really hard time with the lying, as it makes it difficult to trust her. She doesn't want a therapist. She also doesn't want any ADHD medication. Does your daughter take any medication? I am wondering if that would not make mine to procrastinate less and to eventually make her feel better about herself. But she says no to everything I propose. Pls let me know if you find any way to deal with it.

[HelpneededADHD]

Hello! My daughter is medicated and it helps tremendously. She also has a Psychiatrist (who manages her meds and does therapy). I explained most of this to her doc recently and we're adding an afternoon dose to see if that helps with focus/motivation etc end of day and homework.

Since ADHD is all about "preferred activities"...I try to work with my daughter to help her realize what her hopes and dreams are to help school be more of a preferred activity to get her to D1 college ball. I remind her that if she's really an awesome athlete, but there's another athlete vying for that spot who is equally good but she has good grades, they'll pick her. I'm sorry your daughter doesn't want help. But those meds really do help with focus and motivation. Took my daughter about 2 weeks to get used to them, but she even asks for them if she has important day (sometimes she won't take them on the weekends).

Also, since I posted, I've been reading up on the lying...and it's definitely part of the ADHD. Part of the lack of impulse control. They can't stop themselves and think so it just comes out as a way of avoiding getting into trouble. It often gets worse when they feel overwhelmed.