Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
… is a TERRIBLE name to describe what is really happening with ADHD.
I would suggest an alternate name:
Attention and Emotion Dysregulation Disorder
Or as described by one of the top experts of ADHD, Dr. Ned Hallowell,
“You have a turbo charged mind – like a Ferrari engine, but the brakes of a bicycle”
Attention
- NOT a deficit of attention, but often an attention overload
- Aware of multiple stimuli at once, which can be overwhelming
- Appears as distractibility or an inability to focus on the task at hand
- Or the opposite – Hyperfocus – focusing on only one thing and ignoring all other stimuli, including personal needs like eating, hydrating, or using the bathroom
- Impulsive shift of attention – not prioritizing tasks, impulsive behaviors, procrastinating
- Forgetfulness – losing keys, wallet, assignments, shoes, toys, etc.
- “Time Blindness” – unaware of true passage of time, underestimating time it will take
Emotion
- Present in almost everyone with ADHD
- Reactive and impulsive emotions – anger, depression, anxiety, excitement
- High sensitivity to changes in their environment or the emotional shift in others
- Rejection Sensitivity
- Shame and regret for emotional outbursts or behaviors
- Masking emotions and behaviors
- Often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, OCD due to what is observed
+/- Hyperactivity
- “Classic” ADHD
- Common observable symptoms include fidgeting, biting nails, cheeks, tapping, tics, stimming, picking hair or skin, getting out of chair, unable to sit still, climbing, etc.
- Internal Hyperactivity – Restlessness, need to be “on the go”, overthinking/anxiety, perfectionism, creativity, outside-the-box thinking
ADHD Resources
Books
Most of these books can be found at your local library or on Audiobook.
I listen to EVERYTHING on Audiobook which helps me get things done.
I have a backup Audible Subscription for the books that aren’t available at my library
Or if you’d like to purchase a hard copy for your ADHD bookshelf collection, click on the images below
Podcasts
TDAH en Español
Trastorno de Deficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH)
Un libro increíble que captura la experiencia verdadera de una persona con TDAH. Incluye cuentos personales del autor, educación, e información sobre el TDAH.
Masking
Many neurodivergent children and adults learn to “mask” their true behaviors, emotions, or interests to fit in with and meet the expectations of their peers and family. This often results in constant self-monitoring, hyper-awareness of how they appear to others, and suppression of their authentic self. This hyper-awareness is mentally and emotionally draining and can lead to emotional outbursts, feelings of guilt and shame, negative self-image and self-esteem, and shows up later in life as depression, anxiety, OCD, or even self-harm.
Often, ADHD is misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or OCD because those are the visible symptoms, but treatments for these diagnoses alone are much less effective for the true underlying diagnosis of ADHD.
It is critical to recognize these patterns and encourage neurodivergent thinking and authentic self-expression to flourish!
To learn more about ADHD Masking, here are some additional articles worth reading:
ADHD in the News
ADDERALL RECALLS
ADDERALL RECALLS!
For the latest and most up-to-date information, go directly to the FDA Drug Enforcement Datatbase
Check out THIS ARTICLE from Understood.org for specific Adderall Recalls, Lot Numbers, and Expiration Dates. If your current prescription is on one of these lists, speak to your pharmacy and your prescriber for best next steps.
You are NEVER Alone
Call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988 or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/
The Pediatrician's Corner 
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