ADHD - An Executive Function Disorder?

 This Video:

Some key points that I took away, by the 7s:

1. ADHD is an executive function disorder rather than an intelligence disorder.
2. People with ADHD may know and often do know how to act. But there is a disconnect between what they know and executing that knowledge in the real world.
3. External and immediate consequences for actions are important in helping someone with ADHD recognize and address their own behavior. Disconnected consequences or results are not as useful.
4. Breaking large tasks up into smaller tasks is often helpful.
5. External reminders of what needs to be done is often helpful. (For me, checklists and visible clocks seem to be important.)
6. Executive function fatigue: The executive function mechanism in the body/brain takes energy that can be quickly used up. If not refilled or refreshed, the next activity that requires executive function decisions will be inhibited.
7. Breaks need to be restorative (e.g. 10 minutes of work, 3 minutes of rest.). Refilling the executive "gas tank" can include some of the following activities:

• Self statements of effectiveness. (e.g. "You got this.", or "I got this.")
• Take 10 minute breaks more often.
•  Rest the executive functions. Don't do anything that taxes that fuel tank.
• Visualize future rewards
• Physical Exercise
• Blood glucose in the frontal lobe (Sip lemonade/sugar/etc. sip, not gulp)

My Experience

At 42 years old, I found out that I likely have ADD. I tell you what...it's been a game changer.

I have often been told and felt that I was different. I seemed to see and experience life through a lens that didn't quite line up with what everyone else seemed to experience. I just thought it was my own uniqueness. And though I certainly have some of that, It seems that there were some other factors at play. In fact, looking back, I can see that many of the people that I tended to find connection and conversation easier with have also struggled with ADD/ADHD. Nearly all of my closest friends have. Here are a few questions that came up for me when I first found out that one of my friends struggled with ADHD and she didn't find out until she was a similar age.

How did this affect my life?

I'm still working that out. When I started taking the medication that I now take, the difference in my mental processes was so stark that I am still identifying behaviors or thought processes that were affected. I'm absolutely sure it affected my relationships. This video was eye opening for me in some of the ways ADD/ADHD might have affected me.

Why didn't I know I had ADD/ADHD?

That's a mixed bag. From what I gather, there's still a significant underdiagnoses issue with ADD/ADHD. When I became an adult, I had learned a lot of ways to live like everyone else. As a kid, I was "gifted". I guess it's a pretty common for people to be twice-exceptional. It's easier to miss other signs in these individuals.

Am I an expert?

Ummmmm....no. I'm sharing this as I learn. If you happen to be learning about ADD or ADHD, please give me a call or contact me. I'm sure I'll have that function set up on this blog at some point.

What the heck are executive functions?

That one is new to me. Above, in the first video, he mentions that he considers ADHD an executive function disorder. One of the tools he suggests is to take breaks to restore the executive function "fuel tank". That's a new term to me, so I looked it up. My search led me here, here, and here. There's plenty more.

For a fun infographic, go here.

How did you know that you struggled with ADD?

I took a few online analysis tests and then spoke with my physician. He helped me evaluate my needs and figure out steps to take. If you are wondering if you may have some struggles that could be addressed, you might try reading a few articles, watching a few videos, taking an online quiz, and talking to your doctor or mental health professional.

-I love you.-

-Give yourself permission to be okay with your day,

and let tomorrow be tomorrow.-

-Good luck.-