Turbo Thinkers© and Rainbows
“To modernize the concept of ADHD, we need to move away from a focus on the ‘average' person with ADHD - we need to assess risk, symptoms, and impairment, expanding to a dynamic lifespan explanation model that acknowledges ADHD’s heterogeneity and integrates weaknesses and strengths, risk and protective factors in the ADHD concept, focusing on individual trajectories in functioning.”
Source: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13812
New research has conclusively shown that neurodiversity is a beautifully multicolored spectrum. At the World Congress on ADHD, groundbreaking findings were presented, highlighting the diverse array of genes that contribute to ADHD symptoms and related conditions. The role of biology and genetics is substantial, with 74% of ADHD being inheritable. However, environmental factors can also influence how ADHD is experienced. It is important to note that there is no single ADHD gene that determines the likelihood or severity of the condition. Multiple factors contribute to the manifestation of various symptoms.
In terms of genetic variants, approximately 27 common ones have been identified, including fox P2 on chromosome 7 and fox P1 on chromosome 3. Moreover, we now know that around 7,300 common variants influence ADHD. Models estimate that 84-98% of variants influencing ADHD are shared with other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, common-variant ADHD risk has been associated with impaired complex cognition, such as verbal reasoning, and a range of executive functions, including attention.
All of these studies strongly support what I have witnessed throughout my years as an ADHD coach: every brain is unique, and every person's experience is unique. Therefore, the solutions and strategies that work best for each individual will also be unique to them. Together, let's embark on a collaborative journey to discover how your unique brain functions optimally and how we can provide the necessary support.
Learn more, visit The National Library of Medicine.
If you need support when it comes to your unique mind, Mind Coach is ready to help. Reach out today for a free consultation.
