AD(H)D

Definition

AD(H)D is a common difference that can impact focus, impulse control, and emotional responses. It is not all about hyperactivity. Often children appear “lost in the clouds” and can be “in their own world.” It is not about being lazy or uncaring. These children are classified by ADD – or inattentive ADHD if they do not also exhibit “hyperactivity” or impulsiveness. This is rare.

People can not out grow ADD/ADHD.

It is expressed in a spectrum that can include:

Getting organized (staying organized) – things are lost, completed work may not make it to the folder, or materials may begin to spread off of the rug.
Time management evaporation – when to start a project, being consistently late
Sorting out what is important
Being caught in an inertia wheel – getting started on tasks even if it is just getting dressed.
Putting context into conversation – blurting out comments, steamrolling conversations (especially if paired with Autism)
Putting context into actions – impulsive reactions or actions
Expressing the right amount of emotion when reacting to positive and negative events.
Deviation from direct instruction
Working memory weakness – holding a thought when waiting for a turn, remember what was just said
Filtering inputs – appearing bounce from one thing to another.

Medical Notes

There are two main classes of prescribed meds. People can have intense reactions until medications that work for their body chemistry are realized. Some of the side effects can be aggression, trouble sleeping, and mood swings
These meds can be also reduce appetite and many people experience weightless when on them.
There are long release and short release versions of the meds. When the med “wears off” – often by 3pm, the child can veer heavily into their spectrum’s differences. Withdrawal from some of the med can be painful.
There are mental health consequences for long-term, large dose exposure with certain classes of meds.
Behavior therapy is very helpful for helping people find and maintain their own scaffolding.
There are certain groups of people who statistically exhibit more AD(H)D traits:
- premies – pre 37th week
- low birth weight babies
- people with epilepsy
- people with brain damage (regardless of age of onset)