What does adhd mean

Individually • Energy: A small study found that people with ADHD reported liking their higher energy levels. • Self-awareness: The • Self-reliance: As part of treatment, people with ADHD learn how to soothe and regulate themselves, a skill that many neurotypical people struggle with. • Resilience: Resilience, or the ability to bounce back from difficulties, is a predictor of success. Parents and teachers say that most kids with ADHD are resilient. At Work or School • Creativity: Creative problem-solving is instrumental for success at school and work. Research has found that people with ADHD have more creativity and idea generation than people without the disorder. This can lead to outside-the-box thinking that is so important for innovation. • Hyper-focus: Many people with ADHD become hyper-focused on things that interest them. This can lead to impeccable attention to detail and passion for school and work projects. • Risk tolerance: People with ADHD often have higher risk tolerance than people without the condition. In some situations, this can be beneficial, allowing them to try solutions that others might not. In Relationships • Clear expectations: In order to cope with the symptoms of ADHD, people with ADHD and the people they’re close to often have open, honest conversations about expectations—something that benefits both people and can strengthen the relationship. • Impulsivity: There are some situations in which impulsive behavior can be a drawback, but in long-term...

ADHD masking is also called camouflaging or impression management. It involves hiding symptoms or overcompensating for them. When you mask ADHD, you try to act like you do not have the condition. Masking is not the same thing as managing ADHD. When you manage ADHD, you receive treatment like medication or therapy. Managing ADHD with the help of a therapist can also teach you new skills and organizational methods tailored to you. Do females use masking behaviors more? The ADHD diagnosis rate is higher in males than in females. Masking might be one of the reasons for this difference. This is also the case when other conditions exist alongside ADHD because of the kinds of symptoms they produce. Males are more likely to show signs of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder, which have outward behaviors, like rule-breaking and aggression. While these are not signs of ADHD, they do lead to assessments where ADHD can be identified. It’s important to note that the binary gender language used here reflects the language used in this research. More inclusive studies are needed on masking behaviors across the gender spectrum. What is ADHD mirroring? In psychology, mirroring is when a person observes and copies another person’s behavior. Mirroring is a way to gain social acceptance and connect with other people. It’s also how young children learn. Mirroring can be a type of ADHD masking since it suppresses ADHD behaviors and replaces them with more socially acceptable a...

Formerly considered a problem or abnormal, scientists now understand that neurodivergence isn’t inherently an issue for the individual and that it has a large societal benefit. Not all presentations of neurodivergence are a disability, like synesthesia, but all are a difference in how the brain works. The idea of neurodiversity also seeks to frame these differences as ones that are not inherently "bad" or a problem; instead, it treats them in a more neutral manner and also highlights the many different ways that neurodivergence should be celebrated and how it can be beneficial. The term neurodiversity was coined by sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic, in 1997. Neurodiversity can be broken down into two categories of people: those who are neurotypical and those who are neurodivergent. There are many different ways that neurodivergence manifests, ranging from very mild ways that most people would never notice to more obvious ways that lead to a person behaving differently than is standard in our society. We'll examine the most common types of neurodivergence and the ways they manifest ahead. Dyslexia This form of neurodivergence involves speaking, reading, and writing. Dyslexia is typically associated with misreading, writing, or speaking words or letters out of order, but it encompasses more than that. For example, it may involve confusion with certain letters, difficulty organizing words into sentences, trouble acquiring a vocabulary or pronouncing words, and/or chall...

Sensory processing disorder can make it difficult for people to function if they become overwhelmed by senses including touch or hearing. The condition is known to be closely related to autism, but research shows that sensory overload and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also go hand in hand. Research has shown that children with ADHD have trouble processing sensory stimulation from the outside world. Kids with ADHD tend to be over-responsive to such stimulation, such as bright lights, strong smells, loud sounds, or certain physical sensations, which can cause them to experience sensory overload. • Lack of self-regulation: People with ADHD often struggle to regulate their emotions or reactions. Because of that, a sensation that is a minor irritation to neurotypical people can result in an outburst for people with ADHD. • Trouble with transitions: People with ADHD often struggle with transitions, which is also known as trouble with flexible thinking. This can cause people to fixate on an uncomfortable situation and have trouble turning their attention elsewhere. • Lack of awareness: People with ADHD are sometimes distracted, disorganized or rushed. This can lead to sensory overload when they encounter a sensation they don’t like—like an itchy coat—but are unable to remedy it quickly. Symptoms of Sensory Overload Some people with sensory processing disorder underreact to sense stimuli, which can cause them to seek out more intense forms of stimulation. But...

Your child daydreams a lot at school and is easily distracted when they are doing homework or chores. Maybe they fidget constantly. You might wonder if they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or is it attention deficit disorder (ADD)? Is there a difference? Not anymore. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasn't hyperactive. Now it's called ADHD, inattentive type, or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type, or ADHD, combined type. Which term is right for your family to use depends on your child's specific symptoms and diagnosis. It's important to talk with an experienced mental health provider to make sure your child gets the right diagnosis. Daydreamer or Fidgeter? ADHD is a Before they are diagnosed, you will want to note your child's symptoms. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist for children that may help you keep track of them. Here are the signs to look for: • Inattention: Includes disorganization, problems staying on task, constant daydreaming, and not paying attention when spoken to directly. • Impulsivity: Includes spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the chance of harm or long-term effects. They act quickly to get an immediate reward. They may regularly interrupt teachers, friends, and family. • Hyperactivity: Involves squirming, fidgeting, tapping, talking, and constant movement, especially in situations where it's not appro...

What Is a Neurotypical Person? A neurotypical person is an individual who thinks, perceives, and behaves in ways that are considered the norm by the general population. In addition, institutions such as schools, sports leagues, and places of employment are often designed to accommodate people who fit into these norms. • Develop verbal, physical, social, and intellectual skills at a specific pace, order, and level • Function well in complex social settings with large numbers of people • Have little or no difficulty dealing with • Find it easy to engage in team activities including sports, games, and projects • Learn in a fast-paced, highly verbal, and competitive setting with large numbers of same-aged peers • Perform well under pressure • Deal with change • Speak, move, and behave in “expected” ways, such as speaking at a certain volume or distance from others The word “neurotypical” refers to a person whose brain functions in a way that is considered the norm. What is considered the norm can vary depending on many factors. What Does Neurodiversity Mean? Neurodiversity is the idea that there are many unique ways to think, behave, and learn. This term aims to embrace differences without saying one way a brain works is better than another. When discussing an individual, in particular, the term “ neurodivergent” may be used to describe the way they navigate the world. Some examples of individuals who may identify as neurodiverse include: • People with dyslexia, which is a con...

The ADHD rating scale uses questions about a person’s behavior to evaluate their likelihood of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Rating scales are a crucial part of the diagnostic process and are particularly necessary when it comes to diagnosing a child. When responding to the rating scale questions, most people will only be able to base their observations on how the individual behaves in one setting (for instance at home or school). These people are probably not aware of specific behaviors that the person displays in other settings. To get a complete picture of an individual, it is essential that a variety of people, including relatives and teachers, complete the rating scale forms. Doctors use the information collected from the rating scale forms to help them make a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. Doctors may also recommend using multiple rating scales. Share on Pinterest Viara Mileva/Getty Images A range of different They will often include a selection of questions about how often the person in question displays ADHD-related behaviors and symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. The ADHD rating scale will contain questions about typical behaviors including: • frequent fidgeting • squirming in the chair • difficulty focusing on one task • trouble with organization • making careless mistakes • difficulty staying still or remaining seated • difficulty paying attention, even when specifically asked to • an inability to wait t...

Individually • Energy: A small study found that people with ADHD reported liking their higher energy levels. • Self-awareness: The • Self-reliance: As part of treatment, people with ADHD learn how to soothe and regulate themselves, a skill that many neurotypical people struggle with. • Resilience: Resilience, or the ability to bounce back from difficulties, is a predictor of success. Parents and teachers say that most kids with ADHD are resilient. At Work or School • Creativity: Creative problem-solving is instrumental for success at school and work. Research has found that people with ADHD have more creativity and idea generation than people without the disorder. This can lead to outside-the-box thinking that is so important for innovation. • Hyper-focus: Many people with ADHD become hyper-focused on things that interest them. This can lead to impeccable attention to detail and passion for school and work projects. • Risk tolerance: People with ADHD often have higher risk tolerance than people without the condition. In some situations, this can be beneficial, allowing them to try solutions that others might not. In Relationships • Clear expectations: In order to cope with the symptoms of ADHD, people with ADHD and the people they’re close to often have open, honest conversations about expectations—something that benefits both people and can strengthen the relationship. • Impulsivity: There are some situations in which impulsive behavior can be a drawback, but in long-term...

Sensory processing disorder can make it difficult for people to function if they become overwhelmed by senses including touch or hearing. The condition is known to be closely related to autism, but research shows that sensory overload and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also go hand in hand. Research has shown that children with ADHD have trouble processing sensory stimulation from the outside world. Kids with ADHD tend to be over-responsive to such stimulation, such as bright lights, strong smells, loud sounds, or certain physical sensations, which can cause them to experience sensory overload. • Lack of self-regulation: People with ADHD often struggle to regulate their emotions or reactions. Because of that, a sensation that is a minor irritation to neurotypical people can result in an outburst for people with ADHD. • Trouble with transitions: People with ADHD often struggle with transitions, which is also known as trouble with flexible thinking. This can cause people to fixate on an uncomfortable situation and have trouble turning their attention elsewhere. • Lack of awareness: People with ADHD are sometimes distracted, disorganized or rushed. This can lead to sensory overload when they encounter a sensation they don’t like—like an itchy coat—but are unable to remedy it quickly. Symptoms of Sensory Overload Some people with sensory processing disorder underreact to sense stimuli, which can cause them to seek out more intense forms of stimulation. But...

Your child daydreams a lot at school and is easily distracted when they are doing homework or chores. Maybe they fidget constantly. You might wonder if they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or is it attention deficit disorder (ADD)? Is there a difference? Not anymore. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasn't hyperactive. Now it's called ADHD, inattentive type, or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type, or ADHD, combined type. Which term is right for your family to use depends on your child's specific symptoms and diagnosis. It's important to talk with an experienced mental health provider to make sure your child gets the right diagnosis. Daydreamer or Fidgeter? ADHD is a Before they are diagnosed, you will want to note your child's symptoms. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist for children that may help you keep track of them. Here are the signs to look for: • Inattention: Includes disorganization, problems staying on task, constant daydreaming, and not paying attention when spoken to directly. • Impulsivity: Includes spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the chance of harm or long-term effects. They act quickly to get an immediate reward. They may regularly interrupt teachers, friends, and family. • Hyperactivity: Involves squirming, fidgeting, tapping, talking, and constant movement, especially in situations where it's not appro...