AuDHD at University: From Literature Review to Lived Experience

Due to the diverse and international audience that attended the AuDHD information seminar hosted by Trinity Disability Service in February 2025, presenters Jen O’Connor and Juliet Cabraja were invited to speak at two exciting events this July. These events were organised by the British Assistive Technology Association as part of a series of conferences called 'AT Connect.'

Jen and Juliet had the opportunity to present in both Edinburgh and Leeds to an audience of assistive technology developers who create solutions for third-level students in need of technological support alongside Disability Advisors working across a variety of UK universities and colleges with disabled students.

At the invitation of AT Connect, Jen and Juliet shared their findings on existing research related to AuDHD and examined how the needs of AuDHD students regarding assistive technology may differ from those of their peers. These events will encourage a broader discussion about the considerations necessary to accommodate AuDHD students and support their academic success through assistive technology.

This talk blended both academic findings and real-life student narratives as the DS feels that it is exceptionally important to ground any literature in the lived experiences of individuals. Juliet presented first on the current literature related to AuDHD. She also offered a valuable critique into the limitations of such literature, and highlighted valuable questions that we ought to ask ourselves when we are presented with new information about any topic related to disability.

Jen then followed this by presented some sample student narratives, constructing a fictional university environment in order to explore some of the ways in which an individual might experience AuDHD and how this impacts decisions which are made on a daily basis.

The DS are extremely grateful to the British Assistive Technology Association for inviting both Jen and Juliet to speak and make such valuable connections with many wonderful individuals, organisations and services!

For more information see the slides below or click here to view and download in PDF format AuDHD at University