What is ADHD and the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
There are 3 subtypes of ADHD:
1. ADHD Predominantly Inattentive
(ADHD-PI)
2. ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive
(ADHD-HI)
3. ADHD Combined
Within the brain there is the prefrontal cortex (part of the frontal lobe). The prefrontal cortex contributes to a variety of behaviours and functions such as:
impulse control (behaviour and emotion)
attention
empathy
judgment
some motor function
executive function
Typically, the prefrontal cortex within an ADHD brain develops slower and maturity in children and adolescents can be delayed by approximately 3 years. Children and adolescents must work harder to use these skills and therefore can become fatigued in the afternoon, and as a result can find it harder to control emotion, attention and their behaviour.
Despite the challenges that those with ADHD have, they also possess wonderful characteristics and strengths. Those with ADHD can be:
Charismatic
Fun
Enthusiastic with lots of energy
Spontaneous
Intuitive
Sensitive
Creative
Hyper-focused on what they are passionate about and are often masters in their fields of interest and/or career
Risk takers. Willing to take the risks required to achieve great results
What is Executive Function?
ADHD, depression, anxiety, autism, injury and some learning disabilities can lead to a delay in development of executive function skills or impairment of executive function skills.
Executive Function Skills include:
Planning
Organisation
Time management
Ability to pay attention
Switching focus from one task to the next
Multi tasking
Working memory
Self control, so not to do or say the wrong thing
The good news is there are tools that can be implemented to break through these difficulties.