Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to involve neurodevelopmental differences that can lead to areas of challenge, such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, as well as strengths such as the ability to hyper-focus, creativity, and thinking outside of the box so that they can come up with innovative solutions to problems. About 10% of children and teens have ADHD. Someone identified as having ADHD can have one of three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or mixed presentation. From a neurodiversity perspective, ADHD is viewed as a natural variation in brain function and behavior. People with ADHD have a different way of processing information.
From this perspective, ADHD is not considered to be a deficit, but a difference that can bring both challenges and strengths. The neurodiversity perspective on ADHD also recognizes the importance of accommodating the needs of individuals with ADHD, such as providing fidgets, using clocks and calendars for planning and organizing, and providing breaks. When working with people with ADHD, we help them better understand the way that their brains functions and we work together to find accommodations or build skills and strategies to support their goals.
People with ADHD can be very successful with the right support, therapy, and/or medication. The first step is getting early identification so that children, and their families, can gain a better understanding of how their brains work. Next, we can help people with ADHD gain tools to reach their goals, whether those are regulating their emotions, improving their organization and time management, or facilitating their executive function skill development. When working with children and teens, we also work with parents to help them find parenting strategies to best help their child.
We use a neurodivergent affirming approach when working with clients with ADHD and a number of us identify as neurodivergent. This approach recognizes and affirms the natural variations in human brain function and behavior. It suggests that differences in neurological functioning are not necessarily deficits, but rather natural variations that contribute to human diversity. Through affirmation of these differences, we work towards reducing stigmatizing.
From this perspective, ADHD is not considered to be a deficit, but a difference that can bring both challenges and strengths. The neurodiversity perspective on ADHD also recognizes the importance of accommodating the needs of individuals with ADHD, such as providing fidgets, using clocks and calendars for planning and organizing, and providing breaks. When working with people with ADHD, we help them better understand the way that their brains functions and we work together to find accommodations or build skills and strategies to support their goals.
People with ADHD can be very successful with the right support, therapy, and/or medication. The first step is getting early identification so that children, and their families, can gain a better understanding of how their brains work. Next, we can help people with ADHD gain tools to reach their goals, whether those are regulating their emotions, improving their organization and time management, or facilitating their executive function skill development. When working with children and teens, we also work with parents to help them find parenting strategies to best help their child.
We use a neurodivergent affirming approach when working with clients with ADHD and a number of us identify as neurodivergent. This approach recognizes and affirms the natural variations in human brain function and behavior. It suggests that differences in neurological functioning are not necessarily deficits, but rather natural variations that contribute to human diversity. Through affirmation of these differences, we work towards reducing stigmatizing.
ADHD Resources:
- How to ADHD Youtube channel provides information on ADHD and strategies.
- Center for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC) provides a wealth of information and resources. Many parents find the Club ADHD podcasts helpful.
- Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) provides education, advocacy, and training on ADHD. You can examine their fact sheets for parents.
- Rolling with ADHD is a free parenting program that offers practical strategies for parents of children with ADHD.
- Dr. Russell Barkley (a leading expert in the area of ADHD) provides information and tools that you can implement to help your child in this video.
