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Perceptions of Stigma and Social Inclusion Amongst a Sample of University Students with ADHD in Ireland

Author

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  • Sorcha Smith

    (Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland)

  • Joanne McVeigh

    (Department of Psychology and Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland)

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder generally experienced as challenging, as it impacts multiple aspects of an individual’s life. There is a significant gap in the literature surrounding ADHD in adults, including experiences of stigma and social inclusion from the perspective of people with ADHD. This study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of social inclusion and stigma amongst a sample of university students with ADHD living in Ireland. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants (four men and three women), including two follow-up interviews. The participants were all university students with an official diagnosis of ADHD. Data from the interviews were analysed using the descriptive and interpretive method of Constant Comparison Analysis. In total, sixteen categories (themes) were extracted and classified into five overarching domains: informational access, access to healthcare, attitudinal access, social inclusion, and academic accommodations. The findings indicated that ADHD adversely affects university students’ experience of social inclusion. Barriers to effective healthcare, negative attitudes towards ADHD, and misinformation/lack of information were all highlighted as risk factors for feelings of social exclusion. Universities should include students with disabilities when designing policies and provide accommodations to support them. Additionally, greater awareness and informational access is imperative to improving social inclusion for people with ADHD.

Suggested Citation

  • Sorcha Smith & Joanne McVeigh, 2025. "Perceptions of Stigma and Social Inclusion Amongst a Sample of University Students with ADHD in Ireland," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:24-:d:1600111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cecilia Mezzanotte, 2020. "Policy approaches and practices for the inclusion of students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)," OECD Education Working Papers 238, OECD Publishing.
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