By Erin Ratchford
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuro-biological developmental disorder of the brain’s executive functioning system. ADHD affects millions of children and adults across the world. Despite its prevalence, ADHD continues to be a misunderstood and stigmatized disorder. In this post, we dive into what ADHD really is, the impact it has on individuals and groups, and debunk common myths. We’ll discuss how MK Counseling, located in Sioux Falls, is supporting individuals and their families understand the differences in the ADHD experience and ways to support deficits while encouraging the development of strengths.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is NOT a deficit of intelligence or knowledge. Individuals with ADHD brains are unable to translate their knowledge into performance. Interestingly, ADHD brains are not able to utilize dopamine in the same way as neurotypical brains and therefore, ADHD brains are often impulsively seeking dopamine. There are 3 domains of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive. The ADHD experience is NOT the same in every brain.
“I’ve got a race car brain with bicycle brakes”
-Ned Hollar
ADHD in Children
Russell Barkley, a leading expert on ADHD states that children with ADHD are typically about 30% behind their peers in executive functioning development. That means often times, parents and teachers need to adjust their expectations of ADHD children and remember that a 10-year-old will actually be performing more closely to a 7-year-old than their same aged peers in areas of executive functioning.
ADHD in Adults
Often times, unmanaged ADHD in adulthood leads to feelings of anxiety and depression. Many of our adult clients have always felt, “different,” or like they were “too much,” and have been working so hard to organize their lives and just simply keep falling short of their own standards, which crushes their self-esteem. ADHD brains continue to develop longer than neurotypical brains, therefore, “many will not match the emotional maturity of a 21-year-old until their late 30s.” MK Counseling provides support and tools to those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression and can help clients learn to manage their unique brains in safe, effective ways.
Common Misconceptions about ADHD
Myth 1: people with ADHD are lazy
One area of executive function that is affected by ADHD is motivation regulation and task initiation. Those with ADHD are not lazy, they have difficulties with self-directed motivation and therefore, will require support initiating tasks.
Myth 2: Only Children Have ADHD
It was once believed that children outgrew ADHD and therefore, it was a childhood disorder. But it has been found that many external symptoms, just become internal symptoms. ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood and MK Counseling can help clients navigate the diagnosis process.
Myth 3: People with ADHD can’t focus
It is true that people with ADHD have a difficult time focusing on tasks they find boring. However, people with ADHD are able to hyperfocus and tune out the world to tasks they find stimulating and interesting.
The Impact of ADHD on the Individual
Undiagnosed ADHD can be dangerous to both physical and mental health. If left untreated, ADHD can shorten life expectancy by 11 years. ADHD affects emotional regulation and can negatively impact relationships. 80% of folks with ADHD have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Yet, some very talented and successful people have an ADHD brain (Simone Biles, Zach Wilson, Michael Phelps, Justin Timberlake, Bill Gates, and Michael Jordan!) Getting treatment and help to understand the strengths and weaknesses of ADHD can offer a roadmap to your version of success!
On Families and Relationships
ADHD-based mistakes can easily be personalized. It is important that family members of those with ADHD learn about ADHD. “ADHD doesn’t invent new problems; it just exacerbates the universal ones,” Ari Tucker. MK Counseling can support the development of healthy relationships.
On Employers and Work Environment
70-80% of those with ADHD have a co-occurring sleep disorder. It is important to find a job and work schedule that works with your brain and not against it. MK Counseling offers workshops and trainings for Sioux Falls businesses who want to support the creative gifts those with ADHD offer.
Real Life with ADHD
Our neurotypical world was not designed for the diverse ADHD brain. But times are a changing! MK Counseling believes in a holistic approach to supporting clients with ADHD to make lifestyle changes that offer a sense of peace and confidence. We offer tools and ideas for weaknesses and teach clients how to focus on their unique abilities and perspectives to find success as they define it.
Conclusion
Knowledge is power and understanding ADHD is the first step to creating the life you desire. MK Counseling in Sioux Falls is dedicated to assisting individuals, families, and employers in embracing the strengths of ADHD while creatively navigating its challenges. Together, we can show the world ADHD is much more than the hyperactive little boy getting in trouble in the classroom.