Maybe I'll finally finish
that book
I started!
What is AD/HD
AD/HD is a neurodevelopment disorder. This means it is not acquired but rather something some of us are born with. Generally speaking, we believe this is a genetic condition and often a child with AD/HD has a family member (a parent) with AD/HD. If you or your child has been diagnosed and you see similarities in yourself or your child, it is worthwhile to get this checked out.
The constellation of symptoms we know of as AD/HD represent what clinicians and teachers refer to as executive functioning deficits. To put it plainly, this means difficulty regulating emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Think instead of
Common signs
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Difficulty sitting still or an internal sense of restlessness
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Boredom
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Moving from one task to another or starting multiple tasks at once, without completing the previous
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Difficulty managing the details of tasks
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Forgetfulness
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A tendency to lose, misplace, or lose track of items
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Disorganization
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Memory problems
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Interrupting during conversations
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Difficulty maintaining focus during conversations or lessons
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Struggle with multi-step tasks
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Go into a room and forget why, open a computer tab and forget why, sending your child on a task only to find them playing in their room
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Trouble with follow through (putting the clothes next to the laundry basket rather than in the laundry basket)
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Irritability, difficulty controlling frustrations, angry outbursts
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Argumentativeness
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Difficulty taking responsibility for actions or mistakes
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Emotionality
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Impatience
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Excessive talking
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In children, difficulty sharing, turn taking or cooperating
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Stubbornness, poor compromiser
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Overeating
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Over- or under-sleeping
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Impulsivity, which can range from blurting out to criminality/substance use
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Over committing and under performing
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Difficulty accepting feedback or frustration when can't do something right the first time
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Poor social skills
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Compulsive behaviors like skin picking, chewing on nonedible items, fidgeting
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Feeling lazy or under-accomplished
Treatment may include:
Final Thoughts:
It is important to note that AD/HD can look very differently depending on one's own symptoms. AD/HD has a range of severity and the combination of symptoms is different for everyone. For example, some children may look hyper while other children look obedient and behaved yet are not able to focus on anything being said to them. Some adults may be motivated and organized but forgetful and inattentive. Others may be sluggish and disorganized. The great news is, treatment is well-established, safe, and convenient.
A great friend once told me, AD/HD without treatment is like walking on ice with shoes. Some people may fall, lose their balance, or slip. Others may stay on their feet but walk slowly and ineffectively. No matter your barriers, wouldn't you rather have ice skates? -- Dr. Erin Fallucca.
A solution is at your fingertips. Call today to schedule an appointment to see how treatment can change your life!