Bandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist (Australia & Hong Kong)
Board-approved supervisor
Who can I speak to about ADHD or autism-related needs at a Hong Kong university?
Start with your university’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) support unit. HKU and CUHK, for example, provide learning, exam and some campus support. Bring one concrete difficulty, such as following class instructions, accessing reading materials or processing information in exams. If you had arrangements at school or for the HKDSE, ask how these are considered at university.
Key points
- The university SEN unit is a direct contact for learning, examination and campus support.
- HKU can recommend individual support for exams, classes and accessible course materials.
- CUHK SEN Service supports full-time students with learning, exam and campus arrangements.
- Explain a practical need and check your institution’s documentation requirements; previous school arrangements do not transfer automatically.
SEN support and counselling have different roles
For classes, materials or exam arrangements, start with the university’s SEN unit. For anxiety, stress, relationships or adjustment, student counselling is another option. Different services can address different parts of the difficulty.
At HKU, CEDARS SEN Support provides the relevant support. At CUHK, SEN Service coordinates support for full-time students.[1][4] These are two university examples; use your own institution’s official information.
Areas to discuss with a university SEN team: learning support, exam arrangements and campus life.
HKU: learning, exams and accessible materials
HKU’s Learning Support page lists examination arrangements, classroom arrangements and accessible course materials. Individual support recommendations are sent to the relevant Faculty and Examinations Office for approval and implementation.[2]
You could explain: “The difficult part is listening and taking notes at the same time,” or “I would like to know which material formats could help with reading.”
CUHK: support across learning and campus life
CUHK’s official SEN overview concerns full-time students. Examples include learning aids and equipment, class or exam arrangements, access to campus and IT facilities, and hostel-related support.[4]
The CUHK SEN services overview also lists learning support, psychological counselling and assistive technology or equipment.[5] If group assignments, classes or hostel adjustment are difficult, explain the part that needs attention and ask which unit can follow up.
Check how school or HKDSE arrangements carry over
A previous school arrangement is not a promise of the same arrangement at university. HKU states that educational needs may differ at university, so previous academic or exam arrangements may be modified.[2]
If you have an assessment report or previous support information, ask what documentation the university currently needs. HKU’s registration and assessment page explains documentation and review. Checking first is more direct than commissioning a report before knowing its intended requirements.[3]
Bring one need to the conversation
Try: “In ___, the difficult part is ___. It affects ___. I would like to know what support the university offers.” You do not need a complete explanation of every trait before making contact.
If study stress, self-criticism or communicating needs is also difficult, you can explore neurodivergent-affirming psychological support. University learning and exam arrangements remain for the institution to coordinate; sessions can help with understanding demands and preparing a conversation. The approach guide explains more.
Three practical steps
- Find your university’s official SEN or inclusion unit, distinguishing learning arrangements from counselling.
- Note one difficulty with classes, materials, exams or campus life and its effect.
- Ask about current support and required information, including how previous school or HKDSE arrangements are considered.
You may also be interested in
- Why ADHD can become apparent at university：How changing university demands can reveal difficulties.
- University exam stress：A separate article about exam stress and psychological support.
- A neurodivergent-affirming psychologist：How to discuss communication, sensory and everyday needs.
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References
- The University of Hong Kong, CEDARS. SEN Support. Official source. Checked 2 November 2026.
- The University of Hong Kong, CEDARS. Learning Support. Official source. Checked 2 November 2026.
- The University of Hong Kong, CEDARS. Registration and Assessment. Official source. Checked 2 November 2026.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Office of Student Affairs. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support. Official source. Checked 2 November 2026.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Wellness and Counselling Centre. Support Services. Official source. Checked 2 November 2026.
General information only. It does not replace individual psychological or medical advice.