Tag Archives: hyperactivity

What do you know about ADHD?

“It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too much about the problem.”                                                                                        — Malcolm Forbes

 

October is National ADHD Awareness month.  Over the next month, I will share some of my experience and understanding of the challenges of living with ADHD.

The first being that ADHD is one of the most highly understood brain-based conditions.  As an organizer and coach who primarily works with people struggling with ADHD, I can tell you the struggle is real.

It is estimated that 4% – 8% of the population has ADHD the traits may cause frustration for not only people diagnosed with ADHD but their family, friends, co-workers, etc.

Comments I frequently hear from my clients:

“People think I just don’t care.”

“I’ve been shamed my whole life.”

“People think I’m ignoring them.”

“They tell me to just try harder.  I’m really trying.”

“I don’t want to be late, I just can’t seem to get out of the house on time.”

“I have horrible credit because I forget to pay my bills.”

What is ADHD?

“A complex syndrome of developmental impairments of executive functions, the self-management system of the brain, a system of mostly unconscious operations.  These impairments are situationally-specific, chronic, and significantly interfere with functioning in many aspects of the person’s daily life.”           (Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.)

The “big 3” ADHD Traits.

  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity

ADHD is highly genetic.

Only height has a stronger genetic predictability (Source: University of Maryland psychologist Andrea Chronis).  Think about that.  If your child is struggling with what appears to be ADHD, could that explain some of your frustrations as a child or adult?  I frequently work with women who were diagnosed with ADHD after their children were diagnosed.

Why is ADHD a problem?

ADHD affects the executive function area of the brain (prefrontal cortex) that controls working memory, sequencing, flexibility, information processing, time management, and emotional regulation.  Most of our world is designed to work in concert with people that have an ability to think in a linear, process-oriented way.

How is it different? Here’s an example.

Most people can visit a Staples and pick out the perfect pen because they can process the pros/cons of each type, color, thickness, etc.  Someone with ADHD may get completely stuck by the sheer number of options. They literally may not be able to mentally process all the options and make a decision, so they leave the store empty-handed, frustrated and feeling like a failure.

What can someone with ADHD do to make life easier?

-Clocks, clocks, and more clocks.  Put them everywhere and make them analog.  10:10 looks very similar to 10:40 on a digital clock, but very different on an analog clock.
-Thought management. Write things down wherever you would look to (multiple places if that makes sense)
-Time management:  Routinely use a planner and a timing device (phone alerts work wonders as does a Time Timer).
-Get organized enough (less stuff, less to think about)
-Embrace a “to do” list (keep it simple and current)
-Voice/text messages (if something is important to remember and you can’t write it down, leave yourself and/or others messages)

There will be more information to come throughout the month about how ADHD affects our lives.  If you have questions, feel free to contact me at 206-707-3458.

Cindy Jobs

www.organizetosimplify.com

 

 

National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Seattle Chapter Vice President
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Institute for Challenging Disorganization:
Level I Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization; ADD; Client Administration; Time Management; Mental Health; and Hoarding.
Level II Specialist Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization and ADHD.
Coach Approach for Organizers
Graduate of the Comprehensive Training Program: Coaching Essentials; Strengths-Based Coaching; Brain-Based Coaching; Life and ADHD Coaching; and Organizer Coach Integration
Graduate-level training: Body-Based Coaching; ADHD Coaching Competencies

ADHD: What is it? How to work with it.

adhdawarenessmonth_color_medOctober is National ADHD Awareness month.  I recently gave an hour and a half presentation at the Everett Library about ADHD. The highlights are noted below

“It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too                                     much about the problem.”                                                                                                                    — Malcolm Forbes

What is ADHD?

“A complex syndrome of developmental impairments of executive functions, the self-management system of the brain, a system of mostly unconscious operations.” (Dr. Thomas Brown).

It is neurological, not a matter of willpower.

How many people have it?

During their lifetimes, 12.9% of men will be diagnosed with the attention disorder. Just 4.9%  of women will be diagnosed. Today, about 4% of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.  (healthline.com)

It is highly genetic. Only height has a stronger genetic predictability.
(University of Maryland psychologist Andrea Chronis)

What are some of the traits of ADHD?

The Big three:  Inattention.  Hyperactivity.  Impulsivity

But wait there’s more:  Organizationally challenged; Chronically late; Trouble prioritizing; Challenged socially; Poor listening skills; Addictive personality (shopping, substance abuse, etc.); and lots, lots more.

Will medication help?

Medication helps 70%-80% of the time.  According to drugs.com,  as of October 2nd, there were 48 ADHD medications listed.  Success is a joint effort between therapists, MDs and the client to get the correct medication in the correct dose to help maintain focus.

What can be done to manage ADHD?

Work collaboratively with physicians, therapists, family/friends, coaches, professional organizers, etc.

Helpful processes:

-Thought management: write things down where you  can find them
-Time management:  routinely use a planner and a timing device (timetimer.com)
-Get organized: less stuff, less to think about
-Embrace a “to do” list:  keep it simple and current
-Voice recordings:  leave yourself or others messages if you can’t write it down
-Clocks, clocks, and more clocks

How do I know if I have it?

There are several on-line tests that may provide some clarity; however, a true diagnosis should be done with a trained medical/mental health provider.

How can I learn more about it?

CHADD.org (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

add.org

additudemag.com

My favorite books are by:
Ari Tuckman, PsyD; Thomas Brown, PhD; Sari Solden, MS, LMFT; Edward Hallowell, M.D.; John Ratey, M.D.; Daniel G. Amen, M.D.; Judith Kolberg

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  I am not a doctor or mental health provider; however, the majority of my organizing and coaching clients have ADHD and I’ve spent years researching the condition to ensure their success.

 

 

Organize to Simplify CMYK

 

 

www.organizetosimplify.com

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

206-707-3458

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Area Chapter President

seattle

 

 

 

Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Six Certificates of Education

ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 website