Do you really understand ADHD? Most people think of that hyper kid in school who couldn't sit still and focus, but there is so much more to it than that! I put together this explainer video to help you learn more about it and how it affects those of us that have it.

*This is an excerpt from My Journey video.

ADHD Symptoms

Compiled from the work of Dr. Russell Barkley, Dr. Russell Ramsay, & Dr. Ari Tuckman

Focus + Attention

  • Inability to ignore irrelevant noises, conversations, or visual stimulus

  • Inability to block out unnecessary thoughts in our mind

  • Inability to focus on what’s most important

  • Struggle to stick to one thing until it’s finished

Planning + Organization

  • Trouble organizing thoughts, emotions, tasks, schedules, home, and relationships

  • It’s hard to make a plan - can’t stop, think and prioritize

  • Misplace important items

  • Time blind - cannot accurately estimate time

Emotional Regulation

  • Trouble processing, controlling, and soothing emotions

  • Often get more upset than is “normal” for the situation

  • Can be explosive and unpredictable

  • Feel emotions more intensely than others around us

  • Quick to feel impatient

  • Get frustrated very easily

Cognitive Flexibility

  • Difficulty shifting from one task to another

  • Unwillingness to try new things or explore different ideas.

  • Struggle with spontaneity or surprises

  • Have a hard time letting go of past mistakes

  • Stuck in black or white / all or nothing thinking

Impulse Control

  • Interrupt people a lot

  • Make rash decisions

  • Jump to conclusions

  • React too quickly

  • Impulsively start projects without considering all the steps involved, get frustrated or bored, then impulsively quit the project or task