About ADHD
Table of Contents
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Signs of ADHD usually appear before the age of 12 and may affect a person’s ability to pay attention (inattentiveness), manage high energy levels (hyperactivity), and control impulses (impulsivity).
These patterns may influence how individuals focus, manage tasks, and engage with their surroundings.
People with ADHD often have different experiences of executive functioning and emotional regulation. Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive.
Inattentive (formerly ADD)
- Can be creative, excellent problem solvers, determined, and innovative
- May be easily distracted or have trouble paying attention /following directions
- Can be shy or exhibit withdrawn behaviour
- Can seem disorganised or careless
- May have trouble following through with tasks if not given adequate support or coping strategies
Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Can be energetic, willing to try new things and take risks, hard working & perseverant
- Some ADHD individuals may seem overactive & restless or struggle with communication and appear to excessively talk or frequently interrupt
- Some ADHD individuals will struggle waiting turns, or have impulsive or loud speech and actions
- Some may have a preference for direct, honest and fact-focused communication with a high need for certainty and clarity.
- May present with echolalia or repetition of words/phrases.
- May have a literal understanding of language.
- Some ADHD individuals will want to interact but struggle with initiating a conversation or small talk, preferring the conversation to focus on their interest.
Combined
Individuals with combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD will display the traits, and the strengths, from both.
Support
There are various ways to support an individual with ADHD, including adjustments at school, work, or home, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication.
Support needed will vary depending on each individual’s presentation, and not every individual will require input from a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ADHD depends on a complete evaluation. The symptoms must be obvious in most areas of the individual’s life. General practitioners, paediatricians, psychologists or psychiatrists can make this assessment or arrange a referral.
Medication
Medication is often used to help with ADHD and in most cases is highly successful. Extensive studies have shown these medications to be safe and effective. They are not a cure for ADHD but can help people function better at school, at home or at work. Medication can continue to be taken for as long as it remains beneficial – it could be a few months or several years.
Children do not outgrow ADHD, although many symptoms appear to improve with maturity as people learn strategies to manage it.
Tricky Areas & What Might Help
Though ADHD individuals may struggle in some areas, they thrive in others. It is important to note that challenges can be overcome with reasonable adjustments and support!
| Tricky Areas | What Helps |
|---|---|
|
Can be distracted, or struggle to complete / follow through tasks |
Movement breaks, fidget tools, calm spaces |
|
Might be restless, or display loud or impulsive speech and actions |
Flexible seating, standing desks, active learning/working options, clear tasks |
|
Might struggle to manage big emotions or frustrations |
More time in meetings/lessons to hear from them, prioritise their answers, calm spaces |
|
Might struggle to keep organised, or appear forgetful |
Assistive technology e.g. laptops, spell checkers, dictation software, regular reminders/calendar entries |
Further Support
Our friends at ADHD UK have lots of useful information & resources – please visit their website for more info.