Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that involves inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
This video from the fantastic Amazing Things Project is a great place to start:
Understanding ADHD
Just like Autism and other neurodivergent conditions, ADHD will present very differently for each person. For some, like my youngest, the hyperactivity might be a key sign; it is genuinely like I have Tigger in my house. Whilst others may not be hyperactive, but struggle with inattention and/or impulsivity.
Many people with ADHD will also struggle with executive functions. This can include challenges with:
- Prioritisation
- Organisation
- Impulse control
- Time management
This could lead to issues with things like being on time or following directions.
Always in trouble?
Often, people with ADHD report having been in trouble but not knowing why. This is because so many of us look at behaviour and react to it. An example could be child with ADHD being late for class regularly so often getting into trouble for lateness. The problem is they may get in trouble and not necessarily getting any support to assist them with time management skills and the lateness and getting into trouble persists.
When someone has ADHD, it won’t necessarily be obvious. This often leads to people assuming behaviour is a choice rather than something they are struggling with. It is vital to understand that their brain is processing information differently and therefore they learn and interact differently.
Things to know about ADHD
Many people with ADHD will also have differences related to sensory processing, particularly in relation to the movement senses like proprioception. Often, someone may need a higher level of sensory input. So they may need to do something active before they can concentrate.
Everyone is different, but certainly for my son, he is far more able to engage with academic work if he is standing up, moving around, with music or the TV on in the background. The total opposite of his brother.
My niece with ADHD will often talk about her busy brain, which she can’t shut off. With so much processing going on at once it is very easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed, which can lead to a meltdown, but also very often to a shutdown. It also amazes me how much my son can concentrate on at once. He loves the YouTube videos that show all the Pixar films at once on one screen!!
Some will also struggle with processing time, so they may need a minute to reply or respond.
Attention
Someone with ADHD will often struggle with the ability to focus. They may be easily distracted, get bored often. They can forget details or tasks, they may be mid-task, get distracted and do another task, forgetting to go back to the first task. They may also present with a need for new things/novelty.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is very common for people with ADHD. It is connected to emotional regulation difficulties. While no one likes rejection, this is something that can be much more intense for someone with RSD. It will be a very intense emotional sensitivity to rejection or criticism (real and perceived) which can lead to intense emotional responses.
AuDHD
AuDHD is a term now widely used to describe someone who is both autistic and has ADHD. It can be very common for someone to be both and with additional neurodivergent conditions in the mix such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
Someone with AuDHD will have a combination of social communication and interaction differences alongside inattention and or hyperactivity. Everyone will present differently but someone who is Autistic and with ADHD may be facing internal struggles between competing traits such as a desire for newness against the desire for routine.
Further Information
More information can be found at:
- ADDISS, The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
- Young Minds
- The ADHD Foundation
- AADD-UK
I have not discussed ADHD medication here as I have limited experience in the area, but you may be interested in this post from Steph’s Two Girls reviewing the Parents’ Guide to ADHD Medication.
