What is ADHD?
Do you lose track of things pretty often?
…Your glasses…keys…phone…shoes…paperwork…bills…
Is it easier for you to start projects than it is to finish them?
…Leaving you with a lot of halfway-finished things…
Is procrastination getting in the way of your happiness?
…Like you know what needs to be done, but can’t get started…
Do you often find yourself wondering why you can’t just get your life together the way other people seem to?
While these things happen to everyone from time to time, adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) find themselves experiencing these problems pretty often…and it really gets in the way of their everyday lives.
Living With ADHD Can Be A Daily Struggle
It can feel like you’re fighting against your own mind just trying to function as well as those around you.
There’s more to it than just trouble paying attention. Untreated ADHD can make you less effective at work, with your kids, and in your relationship & friendships.
Give yourself some credit for the challenges you’ve faced so far and for your efforts to have a happy, fulfilling life. It hasn’t been easy, but somehow you made it to this point. And, in spite of the challenges of being distracted by so many other things on the internet, you’ve somehow made it this far in your search for help with your ADHD.
I have ADHD myself. So, while I don’t know exactly what your experience of ADHD is like, I do have a thorough firsthand understanding of how challenging it can be to live with ADHD long-term, as well as the day-to-day issues that can arise.
If you are an adult with ADHD, I encourage you to contact me to find out if ADHD Counseling sessions could be helpful to you.
Useful ADHD Concepts
NEUROTYPICAL & NEURODIVERGENT
These terms are used to describe the different ways that people's brains work.
Neurotypical refers to people who think and process information in ways that are “typical” within their culture. They tend to learn skills and reach developmental milestones around the same time as their peers.
Neurodivergent describes someone who processes information in a different way. People with ADHD and similar conditions sometimes identify as neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity is used to describe the diversity of human minds, and to argue that neurological differences should be seen as normal variations, rather than as disorders.
The Neurodiversity Movement advocates for the rights of neurodivergent people, and for the creation of a more inclusive society.
It is important to remember that neurotypical and neurodivergent are not mutually exclusive categories. There are many people who fall somewhere in between, and who may have both neurotypical and neurodivergent traits.
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EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
A set of thinking skills that allow us to plan, organize, and execute tasks. They are essential for our ability to think ahead, make decisions, and solve problems.
While there is no single agreed-upon list of executive functions, here are some common examples:
Planning and prioritizing: The ability to break down a large task into smaller, more manageable steps, and to determine which steps should be completed first.
Time management: The ability to estimate how long a task will take, and to stay on track to meet deadlines.
Organization: The ability to keep track of belongings and information, and to set up systems and routines to help stay organized.
Working memory: The ability to hold information in mind for a short period of time, and to use that information to complete a task.
Self-monitoring: The ability to be aware of one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to make adjustments as needed.
Flexibility: The ability to adapt to change, and to be able to think outside the box when solving problems.
Executive functions help us be productive, organized, and successful. Here are some examples of how executive functions are used in everyday life:
When you are working on a project, you use executive functions to set goals, break down the project into smaller tasks, and stay focused on the task at hand.
When you are driving, you use executive functions to pay attention to the road, follow directions, and make decisions about when to change lanes or turn.
When you are trying to solve a problem, you use executive functions to gather information, generate possible solutions, and evaluate the solutions.
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ADD vs. ADHD
(it is now called adhd)
In the past, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were considered to be separate. The main difference between ADD and ADHD was the presence or absence of hyperactivity. However, they are now considered to be different presentations of the same underlying condition, which all falls under the official diagnosis of ADHD. An official, clinical diagnosis of ADHD will most likely be one of the following three types:
Predominantly inattentive presentation
Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
Combined presentation
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IS ADHD CAUSED BY TRAUMA?
(no, but it can look that way)
ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by any single event or experience, and it isn’t caused by trauma. Not everyone with ADHD has experienced trauma, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop ADHD.
Trauma can affect the brain in a number of ways, including by altering the way that the brain processes information and responds to stress. This can lead to symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as difficulty paying attention, poor impulse control, and hyperactivity.
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IS THERE A CURE FOR ADHD?
(no, but it can be managed)
ADHD is not a curable condition, but it can be managed with treatment. If certain symptoms appear to go away over time, this is most likely due to improved skills and coping mechanisms.
