Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Do you find it difficult to maintain concentration on a conversation, especially when you're not all that interested in the topic?
Do you frequently forget things you've been told?
Do you lose items often? (Hello, 7 sunglasses!)
Do you have piles of papers or other items you'll "get to someday"?
Do you get overwhelmed with large tasks and don't know where to start, so you don't?
Do you find yourself fidgeting, bouncing your leg, or picking at your body repetitively?
Do you get absorbed in a project and forget to take care of your bodily needs (i.e. eating, drinking water, using the restroom, etc.)?
Did you get to the end of this list, or was it TLDR? 😉
If you answered "yes" to several of the questions above, you may have ADHD. This is even more likely if you have a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD. If your symptoms are getting in the way of your work or relationships, it's likely you need support in learning new executive functioning skills.
Your child might have ADHD if:
he has difficulty transitioning from one activity to another.
she is struggling to keep her schoolwork or bedroom organized.
he gets into trouble at school for talking, fidgeting, walking around, or drawing in class.
she displays unexplainable mood swings.
he has difficulty following directions.
she makes careless mistakes on her schoolwork.
he acts impulsively.
she daydreams frequently.
There are three types of ADHD that are diagnosed:
ADHD-Hyperactive Type is rarely diagnosed on its own, but would include excessive climbing, fidgeting, and talking.
ADHD-Inattentive Type is characterized by carelessness and a lack of organization. This type is more often diagnosed in females than males.
ADHD-Combined Type, as the name suggests, is a combination of the previous subtypes.
While the official diagnosis name suggests a lack of attention, the ADHD brain actually has an interest-based attention system. The ADHD brain has difficulty attending to the thing that is most important (i.e. the teacher talking vs. the bird outside, completing schoolwork vs. playing video games). This is a problem with struggling executive functioning skills, such as impulse control, emotional regulation, planning, and organizing. Improving executive functioning skills requires work in the home, classroom, and therapy office. I can help assess executive functioning strengths and struggles. These findings, as well as the child's current difficulty, will direct the techniques used and taught in session. Medication may need to be considered as a treatment option as well. You can read more of my thoughts on the interplay of therapy and medication here.
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation here: https://sunflowercounselingcenter.clientsecure.me