ADHD CHARACTERISTICS | BASICS
WHAT WORKS BEST
“Nancy Snell is a superb
coach. She is smart, well trained, focused and possesses a
true love of her craft. Anyone fortunate enough to work with
this gifted and talented woman will not only enjoy the
process but find his or her performance soar. ”
-
Dr. Edward M.
Hallowell,
Author of Driven to Distraction; Delivered from Distraction,
and Crazy Busy: A World Gone ADD
SO WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR AN “ADDULT” TO HAVE ADHD?
Some say the so called syndrome doesn’t exist, but believe me it does! Dr. Ned Hallowell, world renowned authority and author of bestselling book Driven to Distraction says it best:
"Sometimes it’s like listening to a radio station with a lot of static and you have to strain to hear what’s going on, it’s like trying to tune in one radio station where many are being broadcast simultaneously, or it’s like trying to build a house of cards in a dust storm.
"You’re always trying to build a structure to protect yourself from the wind but before you can even start on the cards…. they blow away. It’s like being super charged lots of the time."
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WHAT ARE THE SOME OF THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT ADHD?
How do you recognize ADHD?
ADHD in adults might manifest in some or all of the following—the level of impairment and functioning can be mild or severe:
| Procrastination/perfectionism |
| Difficulty following directions of more than a few steps |
| Highly creative with lots of exciting ideas and great intentions and inconsistent ability to follow through |
| Impulsivity (constant interrupting, going in a zillion directions, incessant talking, shopping , obsessing, changing the topic, blurting things out) |
| Low self esteem: self doubt, negative self talk, insecurity, uncertainty, frustration as a result of academic, work and social challenges |
| Difficulty getting mobilized |
| Problems getting organized |
| Over activity / ‘multitasking’ with finesse long before it became popular or conversely can ONLY do one thing at a time |
| Trouble staying on task and sustaining enthusiasm |
| Seemingly disconnected or distracted |
| Very bright, social, articulate, accomplished, type ‘A’ personality |
| Tendency to overreact and live in extremes |
| Restlessness/ constantly changing the topic without ever finishing the thought |
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THE BASICS
As more information is written and in the media today, more and more adults are beginning to ‘see’ themselves. For many years, it was believed that ADD was a childhood disorder that was outgrown in later years. We have discovered that the symptoms of ADHD actually do continue into adulthood. What we see is that, while some of the childhood behaviors have changed, the actual symptoms (impulsivity, distractibility, hyperactivity, inattention, boredom) may not have.
FACT: Experts believe that as many as 8 million adults (1 in 20) in the United States alone are ADD and 85% of them are undiagnosed. The implications of this conservative statistic are staggering!
FACT: In order to make an accurate diagnosis, impairment has to be simultaneously affecting more than one area of a person’s life. i.e. work, home, relationships
FACT: Many of those not
receiving treatment have found various ways of coping with
the symptoms in their daily lives or may have partners that
help them with structure and organization.
FACT: ADHD is a spectrum disorder which onsets before the age of 7. It is about brain wiring and body chemistry . It is not a moral issue or a matter of intelligence but rather neurobiologically based.
FACT: For some adults,
understanding ADHD and the knowledge alone is enough to help them to find ways to cope and find productive outlets in their lives. For others, coaching, therapy, group or some combination are essential. Still others choose to treat their ADHD with medication and no other intervention. It is an individual decision and each person must find what is right for himself.
FACT: There is no known cure.
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WHAT WORKS BEST FOR US ADDers?
(Tips for bosses, spouses, friends and loved ones out there)
ADHD adults require a lot of tenderness and understanding. We are quite accustomed to being criticized and feeling diminished and often humiliated although you most probably will not know that immediately.
| You will want to create structure and
ongoing accountability for the struggling ADD adult
because structure = freedom! Left to our own devices, we tend to meander (to put it mildly) |
| Work in small spurts rather than long hauls |
| Break tasks down into smaller tasks (macro to micro) |
| Encourage us to make lists incessantly |
| Introduce the concept of getting help where it is
needed so that we can put our productive energy into
things in which we feel competent and not get drained
doing all of the things we really can’t or don’t want to do…. whether it is a good secretary, or a bookkeeper or a good filing system created by a professional organizer etc. |
| Suggest that we get lots of blank folders, lined pads, post it notes, big index cards with one file box, a tape recorder for classes |
| Focus on jobs that maximize strengths, skills and interests to create a greater sense of mastery and accomplishment |
| Get educated. Read all you can about ADHD |
| Maintain a sense of humor |
| Work at eliminating negative self talk – identify, recognize, and acknowledge strengths |
| Help to proactively schedule stimulating activities |
| Get a good diagnosis from a knowledgeable clinician |
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CONTACT NANCY SNELL
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