What Most People Don't Know About ADHD

15 Things Most People Don’t Know About ADHD That You’ve Learned Through Your Family:

  1. It’s genetic. Once you know the behavior and symptoms associated with ADHD, you will be able to identify other family members. First it was my son, then my husband, then my sister...ADHD is a relatively new diagnosis, so many adults were never identified as being Turbo Thinkers.

  2. It’s all about chemical, structural and connectivity differences in the brain. It has nothing to do with a lack of discipline at home.

  3. ADHD is a lot more than just the inability to focus or to sit still. There are many other behaviors that are also caused by ADHD. Some people exhibit all, but most exhibit some.

  4. It’s all about the dopamine. What an amazing and powerful little neurotransmitter.

  5. Neuroimaging can persuade a disbeliever. You can actually see the difference in ADHD vs neurotypical brains.

  6. Medication will not solve all of your problems. It’s pills AND skills. Taking the medication without therapy and/or coaching is like getting your child glasses without teaching him how to read.

  7. Not all medication is the same. There is no universal cure. Unfortunately, finding the right medication at the right dosage usually requires trial and error, and a lot of patience.

  8. ADHD is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You have a legal right to accomodations at school and at work.

  9. It will take time to find your way. People with ADHD might follow a non traditional path to success. Trust your own path, and know that you are not failure just because it’s the road not taken.

  10. People with ADHD have a unique way of thinking. It’s not wrong- just different.

  11. Be patient. It’s all good in the end. The ADHD brain can lag 1-3 years in executive functioning skills. But that doesn’t mean that those skills can never develop.

  12. Let Turbo Thinkers find their tribe. They have been shamed, and group support will help them with self esteem.

  13. Find patterns in behavior and mindsets. Anticipate meltdowns and distractions so you can prevent them.

  14. Plan, plan and plan some more.

  15. If it’s not written down in the planner or the calendar, it’s not going to happen.

    Mind Coach NOLA is the leader in ADHD and Executive Function life coaching in New Orleans and the entire Louisiana area.

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