ADHD in daily life
ADHD and work or study
Planning, starting, finishing: at work and during your studies, ADHD can play a big part. With the right approach and agreements, a lot becomes easier.
What you may notice
- Difficulty planning, starting and finishing tasks.
- Working slowly or making mistakes because of distraction.
- Working below your level.
- Falling behind in your studies.
What helps
- A quiet workspace; discuss this with your manager.
- Put in your diary what you will do that day and how long it will take.
- Ask for instructions in writing as well.
- Study in short blocks in a place with few distractions.
Telling people at work?
You are not obliged to tell your employer about ADHD. It can help, though, to make agreements that make your work easier.
You decide
Whether and when you tell them is up to you. If you are off sick, you discuss medical matters with the occupational physician (bedrijfsarts), not with your manager.Start with what you need
If you do tell them, start with what helps you: a quiet place, flexible hours or working from home part of the time. Not with what you cannot do.Support through UWV
If you need help to be able to do your work, you can get a job coach through UWV (the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency) under certain conditions. Your employer can apply for compensation for adjustments.Are you studying?
At many universities of applied sciences and universities, you can apply for accommodations, such as extra time in exams or a separate room. Ask your study adviser or student counsellor.
Who can help
- Your GP: your first point of contact, also for a referral to us.
- The occupational physician, if you are ill or have problems at work.
- UWV, for a job coach or workplace adjustments, under certain conditions.
- The study adviser or student counsellor, for accommodations during your studies.
- Your practitioner: in cognitive behavioural therapy you work on planning, structure and procrastination.
Questions about work and study
- No, you are not obliged to. You decide whether and when you tell them. If you are ill, you discuss medical matters with the occupational physician.
- Through UWV, you can get a job coach under certain conditions if you need help to be able to do your work.
Sources
- Thuisarts – ADHD in adults (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- NHS – ADHD in adults (opens in a new window)
- UWV – Job coach (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- UWV – Adapted workplace (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Impuls & Woortblind – Applying for jobs with neurodiversity (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Leiden University – Studying with ADHD (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
Checked in October 2026.
ADHD in daily life
Read more
- ADHD and relationshipsHow ADHD plays a part in your relationship and with loved ones: forgetfulness, emotions, impulsive reactions. What helps and where you can go together.
- ADHD and nutritionWhat is and is not proven about ADHD and nutrition: sugar, diets, and eating and drinking when you take ADHD medication.
- ADHD and sleepWhy many people with ADHD sleep badly, the role of the body clock and medication, and what you can do yourself for a better night.
Curious about the treatment?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your treatment starts straight away, without a new waiting time.