attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd)
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Here at Spectrum, our goal is to highlight your strengths, help you achieve your goals, and empower you to deal with any ADHD symptoms.
Many who struggle with ADHD symptoms for a long time are either undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed. Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or trauma. People with ADHD often struggle with sustaining their attention, controlling their impulses, or being physically or mentally under-active or hyperactive.
TYPES OF ADHD
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Combined Presentation
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
INATTENTIVE TYPE:
- Displays poor listening skills
- Loses and/or misplaces items needed to complete activities or tasks
- Sidetracked by external or unimportant stimuli Forgets daily activities
- Diminished attention span
- Lacks ability to complete schoolwork and other assignments or to follow instructions
- Avoids or is disinclined to begin homework or activities requiring concentration
- Fails to focus on details and/or makes thoughtless mistakes in schoolwork or assignments
- Experiences time blindness
HYPERACTIVE – IMPULSIVE TYPE:
Hyperactive Symptoms:
- Squirms when seated or fidgets with feet/hands
- Marked restlessness that is difficult to control
- Appears to be driven by “a motor” or is often “on the go”
- Lacks ability to play and engage in leisure activities in a quiet manner
- Incapable of staying seated in class
- Overly talkative
- Experiences time blindness
Impulsive Symptoms:
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Interrupts or intrudes into conversations and activities of others
- Impulsively blurts out answers before questions completed
“Think of having ADHD in this way… You have a ‘Ferrari’ brain but with ‘Chevy’ brakes.”