Rethinking ADHD Support in Tertiary Education - Dr Natasha Arthars

🎙️ Neurodivergent Mates — Episode Title: Rethinking ADHD Support in Tertiary Education - Dr Natasha Arthars
Guest: Dr Natasha Arthars, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, QUT

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful Dr Natasha Arthars — an award-winning researcher, educator, and systems thinker with a passion for creating meaningful, student-centred learning experiences. With a deep background in VET, educational research, and a personal drive to tackle “wicked problems” in learning design, Natasha brings a powerful lens to a conversation that matters.

Together, we explore:
🧠 How ADHD impacts executive functioning — and what this means for learning, focus, planning, and emotional regulation.
🎓 The hidden challenges ADHD students face when transitioning to tertiary education, like TAFE or university.
⏳ Why "extra time" isn't the golden solution — and what research says about its limited impact.
✅ What actually works — evidence-based accommodations and inclusive practices that help ADHD students thrive.
🧩 How educators can redesign learning environments that don’t just tick boxes but create real engagement.

Interview Questions — Neurodivergent Mates with Dr Natasha Arthars
1. To start us off, can you share a bit about yourself and your background?

2. How does brain development in young people with ADHD—particularly in the prefrontal cortex—affect executive functioning?

3. What are some of the key challenges students with ADHD face when transitioning into tertiary education, like TAFE or university?

4. What supports and accommodations are typically made available to students with ADHD in tertiary settings?

5. There’s research suggesting that additional time on exams and assignments—while common—might not always be effective. What does the evidence say about this approach?

6. What evidence-based strategies should institutions consider offering instead of—or in addition to—extra time?

7. In terms of learning access, what are some ways educators can make lectures or classes more ADHD-friendly?

8. Finally, where can people connect with you if they’d like to learn more about your work or research?

Whether you're an educator looking to better support your students or someone navigating ADHD firsthand, this episode offers practical insights and important takeaways for building more inclusive tertiary education systems.

 Please check out the research paper Dr Natasha Arthars mentioned in the podcast - Exploring the Perspectives of Australian Neurodivergent University Students.

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