ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects social interaction, behaviour, and thinking processes (particularly around focus and attention).
ADHD affects the regulation of attention, where the brain and nervous system operate on an ‘interest basis’ – aka it is easier to focus your attention on new, interesting, and challenging tasks, whereas it is noticably difficult to focus on boring, easy, or repetitive tasks.
If you have ADHD you may be impulsive; you may notice that you often say or do things before you’ve consciously decided to do them. You may notice that you seem to have more difficulty managing your emotions than the people around you, or that you seem to find rejection harder to cope with. You will probably also have difficulty with planning and organising.
What are the different types of ADHD?
There are three types of ADHD, they are all present in fairly equal measures and it is important to note that individuals can switch between types over time.
Inattentive ADHD:
Challenges with inattentive type ADHD may be more internal. It may involve difficulties with functioning, forgetfulness, and concentration. If you have ADHD you may struggle with attention to detail, keeping track of time, being disorganised, and you may have challenges with emotional dysregulation.
Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD:
Hyperactive and impulsive type ADHD is the most well-known. It commonly involves high levels of energy or activity, inability to sit still, climbing, jumping, running etc. It can also involve intense emotional dysregulation and significant challenges with controlling impulses (i.e. acting before thinking). If you have ADHD you talk fast or loudly, interrupt or overshare.
Combined ADHD:
As the name suggests, combined type ADHD is a combination of the expressions seen in inattentive type and hyperactive and impulsive type ADHD.
Strengths:
Having ADHD can be a challenge at times but it can also be a strength. ADHD strengths might include being:
- Creative
- Good in a crisis
- Efficient at things they’re interested in
- A fast learner
- Good at problem solving