True or False
Everyone with ADHD is hyperactive and can't sit still
What is false. There are 3 different kinds of ADHD. Inattentive - person does not need to move around, but has a hard time paying attention
Hyperactive - body in constant motion
Mix of both
It's really easy for someone with ADHD to switch from one thing to another
People with ADHD often have a hard time switching from one thing to another. Giving them advance warnings and time to switch activities is really helpful
A person with Hyperactive ADHD:
1) Moves all the time
2) Talks all the time
3) Look like they are dreaming
4) Is always really good at sports
What is (1) and (2)
What can make ADHD symptoms worse?
What is stress
What is noise & a busy environment (overstimulation)
People with ADHD are creative and work well under pressure. What are some jobs that many people struggle with, but are perfect fits for someone with ADHD
Fast paced environments (emergency services, event planner, firefighter)
Creative fields (writer, designer)
Hands on work (trades, culinary arts)
Entrepreneurship/freelancing
It's easy to tell someone with ADHD as people with ADHD are very similar personalities.
What is false. Some people with ADHD are introverted, withdrawn and suffer from social anxiety, while others are outgoing and extroverted.
People with ADHD find it really easy to keep track of time.
People with ADHD have a tough time keeping track of how much time has passed. This is called Time Blindness.
A person with Inattentive ADHD:
1) Has high energy
2) Can look like they are dreaming
3) Is really disruptive in the classroom
4) Often loses their things
What is (2) & (4)
Why do people with ADHD often make careless mistakes?
They are easily distracted by sounds, sights and, thoughts which affects their ability to pay close attention
Why is it fun to have a conversation with someone with ADHD?
With ADHD, there's never a quiet moment! Your constantly racing brain is always leading you toward new topics of discussion and questions of great import; awkward lulls in the conversation are virtually nonexistent.
ADHD is found is both children and adults
What is true. While this condition often starts in children and media focuses on children with ADHD, this condition is also common among millions of adults. In fact, over 4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD.
People with ADHD have challenges with coming up with solutions & problem solving
As people with ADHD have a non-linear thought process, this can make individuals with ADHD excellent at finding unique solutions to complex problems.
Someone with Inattentive ADHD & Hyperactive ADHD:
1) Often described as "on the go"
2) Is easily distracted
3) Often does things without thinking of consequences
4) Has a hard time remembering details
What is (1) (2) (3) (4)
Other than focus and hyperactivity, what other mental health challenges do some people with ADHD have?
30% of children & 25% - 40% of adults have some kind of anxiety.
Problems sleeping are 2-3 times higher in people with ADHD compared to people without ADHD
Why should you be proud of your ADHD?
People with ADHD are often generous, have out-of-the-box thinking, humor, a high degree of creativity, drive, and passion that comes with it.
Giving medication to person who has ADHD will get rid of ADHD symptoms
What is false. Medication will assist with focus, but the person has to learn other things (i.e., how to prioritize tasks, time management, how to make good choices, social skills)
Why do some people with ADHD have a hard time with social skills
People with ADHD have a hard time judging how much time has passed. This can affect
1) Choosing what to wear in the morning
2) Organizing their schedule
3) Learning how to drive a car
4) Being on time
2,4
Many people with ADHD can be quite impulsive. What are some examples of this?
Speaking without thinking - blurting out things that are hurtful or rude
Acting before pausing to think
Spending impulsively
Interrupting others
Some people with ADHD are able to hyperfocus. What does this mean and why is it an ADHD superpower?
The ability to intensely focus on a task, sometimes to the exclusion of everything else. This allows them to get into the "zone"
Many scientists, writers, and artists with ADHD have had very successful careers, in large part because of their ability to focus on what they’re doing for hours on end
Having ADHD means that you can't focus
What is false. But the main problem is the lack of focus on the right things. Most people with ADHD struggle to control what draws their attention. In other words, if something isn’t interesting to them, they’re much more likely to get distracted and tune out
People with ADHD often have a lot of energy. How do other people benefit from this?
High energy is contagious. When those around you see your drive, passion, and knack for out-of-the-box thinking, they’ll be inspired to push for their goals as well.
Why do people with ADHD sometimes have a tough time with friendships? They:
1) have picking up on social cues
2) are not as interesting as other people
3) often talk a lot and go off topic
4) only like to talk about 1 thing all the time
1)
3)
Why do people with ADHD have a hard time with short-term memory?
This happens because the brain of someone with ADHD often has lots of thoughts or disrupted thoughts. They might be able to remember a childhood memory with detail, but might forget the name of the person who they just met.
Why do people like hanging out with people who have ADHD?
Give 2 reasons
People with ADHD often:
1) have a sense of humour
2) are willing to try new things
3) have a lot of energy
4) are fun to be with