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It has been said that for those who do not have ADHD, no explanation is possible. Attention deficit hyper active as a label does not begin to describe what is going on. Its only a poor description of two of the apparent symptoms.
Although certainly up for discussion, I would say that ADHD is a combination of a poor working memory, an inability to maintain focus on uninteresting tasks (events, discussions, assignments, etc.) and impaired executive functioning of the brain. There are identifiable differences in the structure and chemistry (neurotransmitters) of the brain.
These can be, but are not necessarily handicaps, any more than the physical attributes of height or weight can be. They can in many instances be an asset. Just like weighing 400 lbs can be an asset if you want to be a Sumo wrestler. ADHD is not especially uncommon, as it is estimated that about one in twenty five have it. It is largely genetic. It has nothing to do with intelligence or lack thereof.
So, based on myself, this means that:
1. His memory is not such that he will remember things he hears long enough to get the information into longer term memory. Things will need to be repeated or written. The longer term memory seems to be OK. Once he learns something, he is as good as anyone else. (How many times have you had to ask him, or your husband, multiple times to do something? They’re not trying to blow you off, they just didn’t remember.)
2. His mind (attention) will focus on what is interesting, not what is important. In fact, his attention will shift multiple times at “light speed” and get him far afield very quickly. (This can be quite useful in solving difficult problems.)
When you drive, you make hundreds of minor corrections as you make your way to your destination in order to stay on the road. Something of which you are not even aware. Similarly, in class, students shift their focus away from distractions back to the teacher as lessons are being taught. The ADHD afflicted do not have this ability. Their attention will go from the class to the noise in the hall to the bird outside the window to any and everything that they feel, see, hear, or smell, each sending thoughts and imagination bouncing around like a ball in a pinball machine.
And contrary to the label “attention deficit”, he may become interested in something and maintain intense “focus” for hours, ignoring all external stimulus short of intense pain.
3. While executive function, or lack thereof, results in attention problems, it also affects behavior, so that he lacks the “governor” that reins back anger, thoughtless comments, and other behavior.
Read what ashockley wrote earlier this year at http://totallyaddconnect.com/forums/topic/i-fired-my-therapist/ or http://totallyaddconnect.com/forums/topic/mashing-potatoes/
I would also recommend that you listen to the youtube videos of Russell Barkley for some “hard core” information about ADHD. There are a couple of over an hour long that I like and found informative.
You can go to http://totallyaddconnect.com/forums/topic/survival-in-an-add-relationship/ or http://totallyaddconnect.com/forums/topic/my-story/for more of my thoughts.
These links will also give you a sense of the frustration members here suffer with and the often poor help that is available.
🙂
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