Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Hey there!
Get comfortable, grab your favourite sensory tool and settle into this fortnight’s blog post.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a person’s executive functioning. Executive functioning is a set of cognitive processes that allow a person to plan, focus, remember details, regulate their emotions, and organise thoughts in order to complete tasks. Difficulties with executive functioning can result in individuals having a hard time with:
Starting and finishing an activity;
Switching attention between activities;
Managing frustration with waiting, or if a task is difficult;
Recognising how much time has gone by, or how long an activity will take; and
Controlling and managing impulses.
**plus more!
There is a cultural hangover from the 80s and 90s in regard to ADHD. Once seen as a ‘hyperactive, naughty boy’ disorder that parents just needed to ‘discipline better’, it is now recognised that ADHD impacts an individual’s executive function skills and it can’t be ‘disciplined away’. ADHD impacts across the lifespan, and while an adult may have developed management strategies, ADHD does not ‘go away’ as a child grows.
In 2022, the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder were released. This guide provides a best practice overview of assessment and therapeutic options for individuals with ADHD.
ADHD in families
The 2022 guidelines were developed through consideration of research, and collaboration with individuals with lived ADHD experience. The guidelines recognised the genetic link of ADHD – there is increased chance of having ADHD if someone else in your family has it. As children go through the diagnosis process, many parents complete assessment materials and realise they too, have ADHD symptoms. This will often start them on their own diagnosis journey, which can involve great complexity in finding informed Psychiatrists and therapy providers. A late diagnosis can also bring a range of complex feelings that can be overwhelming (more on that in two weeks time).
ADHD strengths
While difficulties with executive function can impact day-to-day life, there are strengths to having ADHD. These include:
Creativity and spontaneity;
Feeling calm and in control during a crisis (did you know there are higher rates of ADHD in emergency service workers?);
Hyperfocus and ability to produce amazing work when aligned with interest and values;
Resourceful and innovative
**Plus HEAPS more!
If you’re interested in education and supports around building ADHD strengths, check out my social media channels via Instagram and LinkedIn. You can also subscribe to my email below!
Your friend in neurodivergence,
Kristy