Common complaints about individuals who have ADHD may include:
ADHD Support Program
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common brain disorder that begins in childhood and can continue throughout adolescences and into adulthood. For individuals with this disorder, the behaviors of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can make it difficult to do well in school or work, get along with others, and/or meet age-appropriate expectations.
ADHD also includes more than just attention challenges. The area of the brain that is affected by ADHD is responsible for activities such as planning, organizing, prioritizing, judgment, and decision making, which are all problematic for the individual with ADHD.
Science is not sure what causes ADHD; however, research suggests that genetics play a large role as ADHD tends to run in families. Most likely it is caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors (e.g. lead exposure, extreme neglect), and/or brain injuries (brain complications, smoking or drinking during pregnancy).
- Not listening
- Forgetful
- Problems starting and finishing tasks
- Long time to complete a task
- Outside structure required (e.g., frequent prompting or reminders) to complete tasks
- Lack of motivation to do chores or uninteresting tasks
- Not able to follow multi-step directions
- Talkative, interrupts others
- Impulsive
- Irritable and argumentative
- Disorganized and messy
- Misplace or lose things
- Impatient
- Difficulty learning new information or processing information
- Poor time management
ADHD can be missed in many individuals. Individuals with the inattentive presentation of ADHD are usually quiet, get along with others, and are not behaviorally disruptive. Because their behavior does not draw attention to them their poor attention, distractibility and daydreaming may be overlooked. If anything is noticed, they may be viewed as depressed, lazy or not motivated, while individuals with the hyperactive and/or impulsive component of ADHD may be viewed as disruptive, defiant or oppositional.
Parents may wonder if their children are lazy, rebellious, or just disrespectful. Spouses may be stressed and frustrated by their partners, failure to get things done, selfishness, forgetfulness, or tardiness. In general, most individuals really want to do their best, and what may appear as laziness or apathy may be frustration. Individuals with these issues often experience low self-esteem, because it seems that the harder they try, the less they get accomplished. Depression and anxiety often accompany ADHD and can also mimic ADHD.
Medications may be appropriate for individuals who truly have ADHD as they generally improve the ability to focus. However, they do not “fix” other issues associated with ADHD, such as poor planning, disorganization, and poor decision making. Strategies often need to be learned to help with these associated issues.
We provide a program to help individuals (of all ages) with ADHD better understand the nature of ADHD and learn to manage the related behaviors that accompany the condition, such as the poor time management, disorganization, and poor decision making. A diagnosis of ADHD through a comprehensive evaluation is required to participate in this program.
This program includes experiential sessions of approximately 90 minutes in length. Each session includes an educational component, skill building and practice, and accountability. Topics covered include:
- I Have Been Diagnosed with ADHD, Now What, Understanding the Diagnosis of ADHD and Treatment Options
- Time Management and Productivity, How to Get Things Done
- Planning and Organization, The Art of Reducing the Overwhelm
- Social Success, Making and Sustaining Relationships
- Loving Your ADHD Self, Self Care and Understanding
Call our office at 678-205-0838 for more information or to schedule an appointment for this program.
