Adult ADHD

“Having a race car brain with bicycle brakes” - Edward M. Hallowell

Adults with ADHD should be viewed through a much more nuanced lens than the oversimplified explanations often found online. ADHD is a complex and multifaceted condition, characterized by paradoxes and potential risks, but also by unique advantages. It is not merely a disorder or an asset but rather a distinct way of experiencing and interacting with the world. ADHD encompasses a range of traits that define a particular type of mind, and its impact can vary greatly depending on how an individual manages it—transforming it into either a significant advantage or a persistent challenge.

For many of my clients who receive a late diagnosis or come to recognize their ADHD traits later in life, there is often a profound sense of relief. They feel comforted by finally understanding how they navigate the world, and they no longer feel the pressure to compare themselves to neurotypical individuals, which helps alleviate feelings of inadequacy.

Here are some telltale signs that might prompt you to seek more information about ADHD and consider consulting your doctor for diagnostic clarification:

• Difficulty with organization and planning

• A wandering mind

• A high degree of creativity and imagination

• Challenges with time management

• A tendency to procrastinate

• Unexplained underachievement

• Sensitivity to rejection or criticism

• Difficulty delaying gratification

• High energy levels

• A distorted self-image

• Impulsive decision-making

• Restlessness

Working with ADHD clients involves identifying how ADHD impacts various aspects of their lives and developing strategies to fit into their coping mechanisms. Ultimately, it is about piecing together a puzzle that aligns with each client's unique abilities and needs.

Here are some questions and pointers to help you get started on your journey:

• What are three of your most cherished goals?

• When during a regular day do you experience peak performance? Identify the time when you feel most alert and motivated to accomplish your work (early morning, afternoon, evening).

• Understand your strengths and capabilities.

• Can you bring a sense of completion by breaking down long tasks into smaller, manageable chunks?

• How can you incorporate breaks between tasks?

• Ask your doctor questions about diagnostic clarification and medication.

Ignorance about ADHD causes neurodivergent individuals to endure lifelong struggles, often moving through life with frustration, shame, and unexplained failures, while being told to try harder or grow up. Fortunately, more enlightened views on ADHD are emerging, shifting the perspective from seeing it as problematic to recognizing it as a different way of operating in the world. With understanding, ADHD can be a uniquely powerful asset.

Source:

• Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell

• ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey

• Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell A. Barkley